Inside the Ring: A Day with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

When you think of a WWE Champion, the images that come to mind are often larger-than-life—think of the impressive physique, the commanding presence, and the sheer charisma that lights up the ring. Drew McIntyre embodies all those traits and then some. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 275 pounds, he’s not just a powerhouse: he’s agile, fierce, and ready to deliver a “Claymore Kick” that could drop an opponent in seconds.

Recently, I had the chance to step into the gym with this Scottish titan, a moment that came with equal parts excitement and trepidation. With the WWE on its “Road to Royal Rumble” tour in England, it was high time for a hands-on experience with one of its biggest stars—a workout session that promised to be anything but ordinary.

A Gym Designed for Giants

The venue for this unforgettable encounter was none other than BXR Gym in Marylebone, London. Known for attracting the best of the best, it’s a haven for athletes looking to push their limits. It was here, amidst the clanking of weights and the sound of focus hovering in the air, that I finally met McIntyre. He greeted me with a grin that revealed he was more than ready to put me through my paces.

Now, I’ve known Drew for over 25 years; we’ve shared laughs, sweat, and the occasional tear as we watched him rise from small venues to the grandest stages at WrestleMania. But if I thought he’d go easy on me, I was sorely mistaken.

The Challenge Begins: Full-Body Circuit Training

It was clear from the start that we weren’t just here to pump iron. Our workout was a full-body circuit, meticulously designed to blend strength and endurance. Imagine the intensity of a live WWE match distilled into one sweat-drenched hour—Oh, it was going to be a ride! McIntyre famously said, “Pain is pleasure, pain is beauty,” as I shuffled through my first set, and I knew we were in for something special.

The workout was presented as EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute), where I’d tackle each exercise for 30 seconds, followed by a brief rest. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, in the hands of a WWE superstar, things didn’t go quite as planned. Here’s what was on the agenda:

• Bicep Curls
• Lying Dumbbell Chest Press
• Goblet Squats
• Plank
• TRX Low Row
• Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
• Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press
• Weighted Plate Russian Twists

When Time Doesn’t Exist

What really struck me was McIntyre’s approach to time—they treat it as a flexible concept in the ring. “Time doesn’t exist,” he teased, and I quickly understood that “rest” might not come as easily as I had hoped. Every exercise turned into a mini battle, not just against the weights, but against myself.

As I plowed through bicep curls, McIntyre stood beside me, his booming voice pushing me on. “More, more! Feel those gains!” he urged. Meanwhile, I was grasping for breath, feeling very much like I was trapped in my own personal episode of “Survivor.” At one point, I even quipped about the number of curls I’d need to compete with him. His reply? “About 50,000. So, let’s start now.” Yikes!

By the time I reached the TRX suspension trainer, sweat was absolutely pouring. But in true McIntyre fashion, more sets seemed to sprout up like weeds in a garden. “If you can do two, you can do three more,” he goaded me on. Little did he know, I wasn’t planning on giving up, but I began to wonder how to communicate that I might need a temporary timeout!

The Pain is Real: An Eye-Opener

During the weighted Russian Twists, the challenge grew more intense. The mere thought of stopping felt like surrendering to the very essence of what I was learning: in wrestling, there are no timeouts, no gentle resets. McIntyre reminded me repeatedly, “I don’t do reps; I do time, and it’s time you shut up and keep twisting!” In that moment, collapsed on the floor, I started to question my life choices—this was no mere exercise, it was a mental duel as much as a physical one.

Yet through it all, laughter punctuated the session. McIntyre’s charisma was ever-present, like a seasoned ringmaster guiding a circus of determination. He has always had a way of both motivating and slinging friendly banter that brings a lightness, even to unbearable strains.

Why McIntyre’s Training Matters

Stepping into the ring—or in this case, the gym—with Drew McIntyre went beyond just breaking a sweat. It was about exploring resilience, pushing limits, and confronting my own perceived boundaries. Every rep, every twist, every push came with a reminder: the rigor and discipline McIntyre exhibits in the ring is mirrored in his training. To succeed at the highest levels of wrestling—where you face formidable opponents like Roman Reigns or Randy Orton—requires mental toughness just as much as physical strength.

For many of us who regularly struggle to fit exercise into our busy lives, the sheer dedication these athletes show can feel otherworldly. Yet, it’s not just about raw power; it’s about commitment, grit, and a willingness to become better, no matter the odds.

Conclusion: The Impact Beyond the Gym

As I wrapped up that eye-opening session, I felt both exhausted and invigorated. It’s safe to say I’ve never viewed a simple workout the same way again. The experience reinforced a powerful lesson for everyday people: All growth occurs outside our comfort zones.

So, what does this newfound insight mean for you? It’s simple. Whether you’re grappling with weights in the gym or wrestling with personal challenges in life, remember that true strength comes from the struggles we face. It often means pushing past our limits, embracing discomfort, and understanding that every drop of sweat is a small price for the beauty of progress.

If there’s one thing I took away from my time with Drew McIntyre, it’s that pain may accompany pleasure, but it’s in that juxtaposition where real transformation occurs. This journey through sweat and laughter was not only a day of extraordinary fitness but a reminder that champions aren’t just born—they’re made in every arduous moment they face.