Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is known as “The Scottish Warrior,” but whereas he usually faces off against fellow WWE Superstars, he recently encountered some of the most intimidating creatures in the ocean.
In “Shark Rumble,” a Discovery+ special that’s part of the “Shark Week” line-up, McIntyre met several sharks (while he was secured in a cage) at the Georgia Aquarium. During an interview with Scott Fishman of TV Insider, McIntyre explained how this opportunity allowed him to quite literally face his fears. In fact, he noted this adventure encouraged him to recreate the experience someday soon.
“When I say I’m scared of sharks, I mean that,” said McIntyre. “I’m scared of the water and the unknown. I never swam in the ocean beyond my waist where I can see the water. I’ve had nightmares about getting eaten by sharks or getting attacked by things in the ocean. It’s a genuine fear I have that I wanted to show on-camera. I have this irrational fear, but I want to overcome it because I know the facts and know [the sharks] need our help.
“I’ve found them to be such amazing creatures. Next time WWE is in South Africa or Australia on a tour, I’ll be getting in the water and in the cage with the great whites.”
When asked, McIntyre also comically compared the ocean’s shark-infested waters to WWE’s previously treacherous backstage environment. But he made it clear that the locker room has come a long way, as it’s now shaped by a shared desire to excel.
“Sharks in the water aren’t anything to worry about,” said McIntyre. Though in WWE, there was a time there was a lot of backstabbing and thinking about yourself. These days it’s a lot different mentality-wise. I watched the evolution of it all. Everyone wants to be the best across the board.”
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As much fun as he had with the sharks, McIntyre must refocus on his pursuit of the WWE Championship. In the interview, he explained how he has had to adjust to his status as the challenger, and he also made it clear that he needs to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at all costs in order to get another title shot.
“It still feels weird to not be a champion,” said McIntyre. “I won it in front of nobody, going from no fans to virtual fans in the ThunderDome. To represent the company in those difficult times in the last year was great, but the goal was to walk out there as the WWE champion in front of fans.
“To lose it right at the finish line before WrestleMania definitely showed another side of my character and how he dealt with adversity. It made me more relatable. Money in the Bank and the ladder match are my very last opportunity. I have to win, or I don’t know what will happen next for Drew McIntyre.”
“Shark Rumble” is now available for streaming on Discovery+.
