Drew McIntyre Says This Is His Opportunity To Prove He’s Better Than Roman, Talks Randy Orton Putting Him Over Huge, His Relationship With Sheamus and more

WWE champion Drew McIntyre recently spoke with Sports Illustrated to hype his major showdown with Universal champion Roman Reigns at tomorrow’s Survivor Series pay per view. Highlights from the interview can be found below.

Says Reigns is fully embracing his character:

Roman is fully embracing his character, without restrictions, and he’s gone to another level. He’s got Paul Heyman by his side, and he’s genuinely so compelling. This is the ultimate opportunity, in the ring with him, to prove I am the top guy in WWE.

How this matchup differs from their WrestleMania 35 showdown:

That was Roman’s moment, returning from illness and showing the world he was back. I was thankful for that opportunity, but it needed to be all about Roman. This is way different than 35. He’s done a lot since then, but I have risen up the card, too. I have a lot to prove to him this Sunday.

How he defeated Randy Orton with the Claymore:

I needed to keep up with Randy Orton to prove I’m in the top tier of WWE. And it needed to end the way it did, with a Claymore. I got him with the quick backslide at SummerSlam, the legends got their revenge at Clash in the Ambulance Match, and then Randy capitalized with an RKO at Hell in a Cell after I crashed off the cell. I needed to get a definitive pin on Randy to show I am the man on Raw, and it was only right that I did it with a Claymore.

Says Orton went above and beyond to put him over:

I still hear how Randy doesn’t want to get too physical or take too many bumps, so for anyone that thinks he’s soft in the ring, that’s just not true,” said McIntyre. “He went above and beyond to make me look as good as possible. We both worked our butts off, and I’m very proud of that match, as well as the chance to once again be WWE Champion.

On his relationship with Sheamus:

I met Sheamus when I was 19. We exaggerated the truth on Raw with the chest and the sword, but our history is real. He’s known my family for so long that he’s one of us, and he was the best man at my wedding. I’ve got the title back, I’ve got my kilt and a sword, and I love how we started that story with Sheamus. I’m excited to see where we go next.

Says he loves representing Raw:

I love representing Raw. That’s the show I grew up watching, and the one that defines wrestling. Roman and Paul can think whatever they want, but just know that I love proving people wrong.

Promises that fans will start to view him as the top dog following Survivor Series:

There is something so special about his presence. He’s phenomenal in the ring, he’s a leader in the ring, and he’s reached this level for a reason. I’m putting in the work, and I’m going to keep doing that. When you think WWE, you think Roman Reigns. I want people to think of Drew McIntyre, and they’re going to after Survivor Series.