Drew McIntyre has voiced concerns about the mindset of newer professional wrestlers during a recent appearance on the Wafflin’ podcast. The WWE veteran addressed what he perceives as a fundamental difference in approach between established performers and those newer to the business.
McIntyre emphasized the importance of emotional connection with audiences over technical proficiency.
The moves aren’t the most important thing, but they are important. Some people say, ‘this is important, the wrestling isn’t important.’ It’s more wrestling entertainment. The wrestling still matters. But the most important thing in WWE or any wrestling company, the most important thing should be the emotion, how it makes people feel. If you’re having a great match and nobody cares, what’s the point?
To illustrate his point about generational differences, McIntyre referenced Triple H continuing to perform after suffering a severe injury.
Unless I was dead, I would continue the match. We’ve seen guys, you know, Triple H tore his quadriceps from the bone, continued the match and was put in a ‘Walls of Jericho,’ something that hurts your quadriceps in general and his wasn’t well. That’s the kind of mentality most of our superstars have. Maybe some of them, because some of the new guys are softies.
McIntyre’s comments highlight an ongoing discussion within professional wrestling regarding the balance between in-ring ability and creating meaningful connections with fans. The veteran performer suggests that while impressive athletic sequences have their place, they fall short without effective storytelling and emotional investment from the audience.
