In a candid interview on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet, WWE Superstar Sheamus revealed that he was the mastermind behind one of the most talked-about promos in recent WWE history — Drew McIntyre’s biting “burger after burger” line. What many fans believed was a brutal personal attack aired live on WWE programming was, in fact, a calculated move crafted by Sheamus himself to lean into real-life online criticism[1][5].

The “burger after burger” segment, which aired during WWE Raw in April 2024, quickly became a viral moment among fans for its seemingly harsh and personal tone. Drew McIntyre’s cutting reference to Sheamus eating “burger after burger after burger” seemed to mock Sheamus’ physique, striking a nerve with viewers who follow the WWE’s ongoing narratives as well as real-life wrestler dynamics[4].

The Backstory: Turning Online Criticism Into Wrestling Gold

Sheamus explained that the inspiration for the line came from a period where he was “slaughtered online” by fans criticizing his physical condition after returning to WWE television. Following a setback with a planned match against WWE star Gunther that never materialized, Sheamus admitted he lost motivation for training intensely and embraced a carefree lifestyle — which included indulging in fast food and partying[1][5].

He stated, “At first, I was like, oh my God, I was like, oh no. Then I was like, well in fairness, I did kind of like to go party like it was the end of the world. So anyway, I leaned into it, and it was great.” This mindset led Sheamus to actually write the promo line where McIntyre mocks him for eating “burger after burger after burger,” turning a potentially negative narrative into a storyline asset that garnered genuine heat and interest[1].

Drew McIntyre’s Take on the Promo

Drew McIntyre also commented publicly about the promo’s origin and impact. In a recent video breakdown, McIntyre discussed how the phrase was designed to be provocative but respectful of their real-life friendship. The “burger after burger” angle allowed them to showcase intense character work on-screen while entertaining fans with a layer of realism behind wrestling kayfabe (storyline fiction)[2].

A Winning Strategy for WWE Storytelling

This promo exemplifies WWE’s evolving approach to blending real-life elements with scripted content, allowing wrestlers’ authentic experiences to enrich the storytelling. By acknowledging actual fan criticism, Sheamus’ idea injected a unique tension and authenticity that resonated with WWE’s audience.

Sources close to the WWE locker room revealed that backstage, the promo was praised for its creativity and effectiveness. A WWE insider told Wrestling News, “It’s rare to see a storyline where one of the performers writes such a memorable line for another. It shows how much Sheamus and Drew trust each other and want to elevate their storyline together”[1].

The Legacy of the “Burger After Burger” Promo

The “burger after burger” line has since become a part of WWE lore, frequently referenced by commentators, fans, and other WWE Superstars. It demonstrates how wrestlers can use personal adversity and online criticism to fuel their on-screen personas, pushing the envelope for entertaining and believable promos[3][5].

Sheamus and McIntyre’s promo segment not only revived interest in their rivalry but also set a standard for turning real-world challenges into compelling wrestling television. As WWE continues to innovate in its programming, such moments underscore the power of authentic storytelling.

Sources: WWE.com, Wrestling News, Insight Podcast (Chris Van Vliet), Fightful, WWE Raw footage