Drew McIntyre believes WWE's new direction is a long-term change.
Since Triple H assumed creative duties at the end of July following Vince McMahon retiring, WWE has made changes to the on-screen product, most notably giving wrestlers more freedom on the microphone and allowing for longer matches.
Appearing on WWE After The Bell, Drew McIntyre weighed in on the changes and what he likes about the new direction.
"Things are flowing so good and interest in the past month has been so exciting. A lot of people are referring to it as a 'honeymoon' phase, I really don't think it is. I think this is the way it's going to be going forward. The biggest thing I've noticed is the emphasis on the wrestling aspect. We're WWE at the core, things are going to stay the way they were to a certain extent, that's why we're successful and such a gigantic company. I grew up a wrestling fan, watching the wrestling matches, and the physicality, That's what I enjoy the most. I've seen a lot of it recently and a lot of great wrestling recently. What I'd really like to see is the titles defended... remember the 30-day rule? That was a thing. I'd like to see that back," said McIntyre.
Roman Reigns has gone months between Undisputed WWE Universal Title defenses, but he will defend his title against McIntyre in the main event of WWE Clash at the Castle. Reigns has been the WWE Universal Champion for over two years.
When asked about Roman's run and why he should be the guy to end it, McIntyre replied, "For one, Roman is a huge star. We've seen the positives. he's worked really hard to get to where he's at. He's done some incredible work for ten straight years, but these past two years have been unbelievable. He has taken a step back, that's the truth. The fact that he's taken a step back in his career, with that limited schedule, has allowed me to take two steps forward because I believe the titles need to be represented on our television shows, defended on a more regular basis, shown in our media appearances, and on the live events. That's the difference right there. I'm still in the position where I'm 24/7. I can't imagine ever being in a position, no matter where I make it to, where I'm not 24/7 and with this company full-time. If I'm physically capable, I will be here, I will be representing the company. We talked about my schedule a little bit, I would love to have the titles and take them around and make such a difference for the presentation of our company where the champion is there with the titles. There are changes going on right now, it starts at the top and all rolls downhill. To steal one from Ol' Wade (Barrett), who just signed his new contract, the winds of change are blowing through WWE right now. Starting at the top, I beat Roman here, I hope Roman sticks around as long as possible because he is phenomenal at what he does, but I believe those titles need to be represented in a different manner, especially with the wrestling element more focused on in the company right now."
Reigns became the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania 38 when he defeated Brock Lesnar to unify the titles. He has made two title defenses on television since his WrestleMania 38 victory.
Fans can find Roman's comments on his reduced schedule by clicking here.
Fans can check out the current lineup for WWE Clash at the Castle by clicking here.
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