HE may have been crowned as the first British-born World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion, but superstar Drew McIntyre says he can recall getting into a Bradford ring in his younger days.
The Scottish superstar is one of the biggest names in the WWE, having won a host of the organisation's glittering accolades.
McIntyre was crowned as the first British-born WWE Champion, beating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36 last year, in front of no fans due to Covid restrictions.
But crowds are now back watching wrestling live and he says he is enjoying being back in front of UK fans, including a show at the First Direct Arena in Leeds tomorrow night.
Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, McIntyre said: "There is a good chance I would have performed in Bradford when I was about 18 or 19.
I have definitely wrestled in Bradford at some point, probably at one of the town halls
"The UK wrestling scene is on fire right now. NXT UK is at the top of the pile.
"All of our roster couldn't wait to get back to the UK.
"The crowds are like the ones at a football match. They have their own chants and signs.
Growing up in British wrestling, you either learned various ways to hurt an opponent or you got eaten alive and quit. I learned to hurt people.#Smackdown pic.twitter.com/PagarpztD1
— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) November 2, 2021
"It feels great to be back in the UK. I make sure I have some downtime during the UK tour to see my family.
"I have been to Leeds a few times with the WWE. The UK crowds are some of the loudest fans.
"Becoming the first British-born WWE champion was one of the proudest moments of my life, not just my career.
"It was always a goal of mine when I first came to America."
Meanwhile, the Glasgow Rangers fan also says Bradford City, currently in League 2, can rise up the divisions, just as his beloved Scottish side have done over recent years. He added: "Bradford can do it if they really, really believe."
He added that former Rangers and Bantams player Stuart McCall is a legend.
McIntyre, winner of the 2020 Royal Rumble men's battle royal match, also says he is tempted to come to Bradford for a curry during the UK tour, as he says thatr's one of the things he misses about the UK is Indian food.
McIntyre added he cannot wait to get in the ring, either as a tag team partner or opponent, with fellow Friday Night Smackdown wrestler Ridge Holland.
Holland, real name Luke Menzies, is a former Bradford Bulls youngster who has switched sports and is now making waves in the world of the WWE.
McIntyre said: "I want to see what he (Holland) is made of.
"I have spoken to him a few times on messenger. He looks the part. He has worked hard on his appearance. On potential, he has a really good future.
Maybe I can have a little match with him, or maybe team up with him to see what we could do together, for a little Team Britain
McInytre says he wants to continue to win some of the WWE's biggest titles in the future and is eyeing up a showdown with current Friday Night Smackdown Universal champion Roman Reigns, saying he 'is in my sights'.
The Scotsman says he also wants to continue with his charity work and is lobbying for a big WWE pay-per-view event in the UK.
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