When it comes to sport, Scotland often lives in the shadow of our UK counterparts.
Our football team is seen as a laughing stock. The rugby side are littered with inconsistencies. And don’t even get me started on the Scottish/British debate on Andy Murray!
It’s tough being Scottish and a sports fan. Thankfully, I’m equally as big a wrestling fanatic, and the pride I have in the scene north of the border is something I never under estimate.
(Image: © WWE)
I’ve followed the local independent circuit in Scotland now for nearly six years, ever since the first ever ICW Shugs Hoose Party. Leading the charge that night was a man making headlines across the globe today: one Drew McIntyre.
The show marked Drew’s first appearance since being released by WWE just months prior. Despite what was clearly a massive disappointment in a young career, McIntyre did not speak like a man who should have felt like the world was against him.
Re-live night two of WrestleMania 36 with our live blog recap
He conveyed his goal to bring Scottish and UK wrestling to the next level. He was the locker room leader his friends in the back needed to help them showcase their ability on a global stage.
Now in the year 2020, UK wrestling is appreciated worldwide. Not just that, but Drew achieved the dream he’d chased since his teens by becoming WWE Champion this past weekend at WrestleMania 36.
It was a moment that should have been witnessed by thousands of fans. Instead, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic meant his support came from people’s living rooms.
Despite all the negativity in the world and around WrestleMania, not at one point did McIntyre show his anger at the situation.
He spoke about how this year’s Mania wasn’t just about his moment, it was about creating a moment for all those fans living through difficult times.
Upon hearing such comments, it made me think back once more to that night in 2014 I’d mentioned earlier. That same determination I witnessed one summer’s night in Glasgow had never diminished. Instead it grew stronger and stronger.
The main event of WrestleMania 36 may have lasted a mere five minutes in length. But the moment fully eclipses the match itself.
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Scotland as a country has experienced many a heartache in its time. And while McIntyre may not have the same global appeal as Andy Murray, he created similar emotions for those who follow him.
I may not reflect on the night WrestleMania took place in an empty arena in a decade’s time. But I will always remember my reaction and Drew’s face when he pinned Brock Lesnar, for the 1-2-3.
That in itself is a testament to the power of wrestling to its loyal fanbase.
WrestleMania 36 was The Only WrestleMania Too Big For Just One Night.
You can rewatch the event on the WWE Network, which costs £9.99 a month and includes a library of WWE content on demand, or get a free 30-day trial.
