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WWE announced Drew McIntyre’s release in June 2014, but its public notice did not explain why it had made the decision. Years later, McIntyre offered his own retrospective explanation: he had become comfortable in 3MB and was not giving his all. That is his account of what he learned from the experience—not an official WWE statement of its personnel rationale.
What WWE said when it released Drew McIntyre
WWE’s notice, published June 11, 2014, said the company had “come to terms on the release” of several performers, including McIntyre, effective June 12. It did not give an individual reason for his release or identify a specific incident, performance, or disciplinary issue. Read WWE’s 2014 release notice.
“Fired” is common shorthand, but WWE’s announcement used the word “release.” The documented fact is that his contract ended; the public notice does not reveal who made the decision or how it was reached.
Why McIntyre later believed he was released
In a later WWE interview, McIntyre looked back on his time working regular live events as part of 3MB. He recalled having steady work and a decent paycheck, and said he had become comfortable. He also remembered moving into a new home with his then-girlfriend shortly before he received the call about his release. Read WWE’s retrospective interview with McIntyre.
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#1 Best Overall
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McIntyre’s explanation was personal and retrospective: as his career improved after leaving WWE, he recognized that he had not been putting in his full effort before the release. He said losing a guaranteed WWE check made him responsible for his own career and forced him to work harder. In his words, “It was very clear I wasn’t giving my all in the past, not even close.”
That is McIntyre’s own assessment of his performance and mindset. It should not be mistaken for a reason WWE officially gave in 2014.
Rank #2
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What happened after the release
He rebuilt his career as Drew Galloway
After leaving WWE, McIntyre wrestled on the independent circuit under the name Drew Galloway. WWE’s 2017 interview recounts that he worked around the world, won championships, and sought to raise the profile of the companies where he competed. He later recalled that his first post-release match was in Scotland and that he won the EVOLVE Championship in his first match for the promotion. These details come from McIntyre’s recollection as reported by WWE, not from an independently audited career record. Read WWE’s 2017 interview on his reinvention.
He returned to WWE in 2017
WWE signed McIntyre to NXT in 2017. He won the NXT Championship within months, according to the company’s retrospective account. WWE’s current profile likewise describes his 2014 departure as unexpected and records his return in 2017, but does not add an official explanation for the original release. See WWE’s Drew McIntyre profile.
Rank #3
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The return followed McIntyre’s independent career and development; the available accounts do not establish that WWE released him with a plan to bring him back.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read other explanations
A 2023 scholarly analysis interprets McIntyre’s earlier WWE character portrayals as failing to capture audience attention and connects that reception with his release. That is an academic interpretation of his character and career, not a disclosed WWE personnel rationale. See the University of the West of Scotland repository.
Rank #4
- WWE Elite action figures bring WWE Superstars to life in 6-inch scale!
- Each figure features highly detailed TrueFX technology for life-like facial features!
- Recreate signature moves and dynamic poses with 25 points of articulation!
- Includes interchangeable hands and iconic accessories for play and display!
- WWE fans can find a favorite Superstar figure or can collect them all (each sold separately, subject to availability).
The distinction matters: WWE’s contemporary notice confirms that the release happened, while McIntyre’s later comments explain what he believed he needed to change. Neither provides a detailed account of WWE’s internal decision-making.
Quick Recap
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