Drew McIntyre says WWE’s attitude towards Hollywood opportunities has changed under Triple H and Nick Khan, giving wrestlers more support to explore projects outside the ring.

Speaking on Busted Open after filming roles alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, McIntyre explained that opportunities which once might have been rejected are now viewed as a potential benefit for both the performer and WWE.

“In the past, things have come up that have been brought to management that have been shut down. Like, ‘Hey, we need you here. We need you on the show.’

“These days, both the lads see it as, ‘Hey, if this is good for you and your brand, you want to do it, that’s awesome.’ And if it works for our brand, if it helps everybody, if it gets more eyes on the product, they’re all about it,” McIntyre discussed.

The former WWE World Champion contrasted that approach with his experience working under Vince McMahon.

“Vince [McMahon] was very much like, ‘I need you here.’”

However, McIntyre also acknowledged why McMahon wanted his biggest stars available. WWE’s demanding live event schedule meant established names were needed to help sell tickets, and McIntyre said his own life revolved around wrestling every week until the past few years.

“So you really needed people like the bigger stars to advertise on the live events to sell those tickets, and I get it. Whether it was some big opportunities, I won’t say some names, but the biggest names of all time,” he said.

McIntyre explained that Khan and Triple H now recognise how building a wrestler’s profile elsewhere can also bring more attention to WWE. He also made clear that his acting ambitions do not mean he plans to leave wrestling behind.

“But as I say, Nick [Khan] and Paul [Levesque] are very much of the mindset, if it makes sense, if it helps everybody and helps your brand, which in turn helps our brand, because I’m not going anywhere anytime soon,” he finished.

The 41-year-old is set to appear in The Last Druid alongside Russell Crowe, as well as The Highlander with Henry Cavill, Crowe and other major names.

Which WWE star would you like to see take on a Hollywood role? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Tags: Drew McIntyre, Triple H, Nick Khan, Vince McMahon, WWE, Hollywood