WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre has voiced sharp criticism towards the current WWE roster, particularly targeting younger wrestlers for their reluctance to seek advice from veterans and for not embodying the physical presence traditionally expected in professional wrestling. In a candid interview with The West Sport and further comments on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, McIntyre called out what he perceives as a decline in both the look and mindset of many performers in WWE today.

“85% of the Roster Don’t Look Like Wrestlers,” Says McIntyre

McIntyre did not mince words when discussing the appearance of many of today’s WWE competitors. He revealed that friends who are casual or new wrestling fans often find themselves taken out of the experience due to the perceived lack of physical credibility among some superstars.

“I’ve said it recently… 85% of the roster don’t look like wrestlers,” McIntyre explained. “I have a lot of friends that tune into WWE for the first time… and, like, ‘wait a minute, I could beat up this guy. My kid could probably beat up this guy.’ So some of our roster need to dial it in. Maybe start looking like athletes”[1][2].

He clarified that this criticism is not about everyone needing to have his own imposing physique but about wrestlers finding something unique that makes them stand out with credibility. “I’m not saying you all have to look like Drew McIntyre, because you’re not gonna, but at least think of something that makes you stand out,” he added. Citing legendary figures like Rey Mysterio, McIntyre emphasized the importance of developing a persona or trait that grabs the audience’s attention immediately.

Veteran Guidance: An Untapped Resource for Younger WWE Talent

Beyond physicality, McIntyre expressed frustration with younger wrestlers who do not actively seek counsel from seasoned professionals in the locker room. Sources close to WWE revealed that McIntyre believes the wealth of experience held by veterans is being underutilized, with many newer talents preferring to carve their own path without guidance.

“Some of the younger talents don’t bl***y listen,” McIntyre reportedly stated during recent discussions, a sentiment echoed backstage and by personnel who have observed this trend[3]. According to a WWE insider, this lack of openness to advice risks stagnating the growth of emerging performers and diminishes the transfer of critical wrestling knowledge essential for long-term success.

A Cultural Shift in WWE’s Locker Room Dynamics

Insiders suggest that this divide between veterans and younger talent stems partly from changing locker room cultures and the massive influx of athletes from diverse backgrounds, including non-traditional wrestling builds and celebrity entrants. McIntyre acknowledged the evolving nature of WWE’s roster but urged performers to “find their thing” and adopt a mindset of continual learning.

Reflecting on his own career that began in 2007, McIntyre noted, “I’ve watched the evolution…and I think for the newer talent, they’re kind of getting used to things being so, you know, amazing, and wrestling being so popular all across the world”[5]. However, he cautioned against complacency, underscoring that respect for the craft and for veterans’ wisdom remains paramount.

Praise for WWE’s System but Calls for Elevated Standards

While critical, McIntyre also praised WWE’s ability to quickly replace wrestlers who don’t connect with audiences, stating that performers need to consistently resonate or risk being replaced. His comments highlighted the importance of presentation alongside in-ring skill to maintain relevancy in the competitive sports entertainment landscape.

The former WWE Champion urged younger wrestlers to harness both their physical presence and veteran mentorship to elevate their careers. “You gotta find your thing that makes you stand out. Look at Rey Mysterio… he’s a superhero. That kind of character sticks in people’s minds,” McIntyre explained[1].

Backstage Reaction and Industry Impact

Sources within WWE note that McIntyre’s remarks have sparked considerable discussion backstage. Some veterans agree that the locker room could benefit from more genuine mentorship and openness, while others believe that younger talent simply have different ways of learning in the modern era.

Fightful analysts observe that McIntyre’s blunt assessment could serve as a wake-up call for WWE’s developmental system and talent evaluation process, potentially prompting a greater emphasis on holistic wrestler development, including physical conditioning and character work[1][2].

Looking Ahead: The Future of WWE Talent Development

As WWE prepares for ongoing expansion with global tours and new audience demographics, industry voices like McIntyre’s are drawing attention to foundational issues that could affect the company’s long-term product quality. Encouraging a culture where younger wrestlers actively seek veteran counsel while embracing their unique physical and character assets may ultimately strengthen WWE’s roster depth and appeal.

In summation, Drew McIntyre’s outspoken critique serves as a candid reflection on challenges WWE faces in balancing tradition with evolution. According to a WWE insider familiar with McIntyre’s viewpoint, “He wants younger guys to get better, faster — and that means listening, learning, and taking pride in looking the part of a WWE Superstar”[3].

This article references McIntyre’s interviews on The West Sport and the Impaulsive podcast, as well as backstage observations reported by WrestlingNews.co and Fightful.