"Best in the world" - Drew McIntyre breaks character to praise long-term WWE rival not named CM Punk

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre (Image Credits: WWE.com)
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre (Image Credits: WWE.com)

The Drew McIntyre-Seth Rollins saga has seen a lot of ups and downs in recent memory. While The Scottish Warrior ended up getting his arm raised at WrestleMania XL, when he defeated Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, the latter ended up occupying rent-free space in McIntyre's head.

It is clear that McIntyre and Rollins still have some unfinished business. During a recent appearance at the WWE Fanatics Fest NYC, Drew McIntyre was asked about his feud with The Visionary.

Similar to what the 39-year-old had said previously, McIntyre said that he had respect for Seth and considered him one of the best to ever step in the ring. However, The Scottish Warrior claimed that he liked to push The Visionary to his limits to bring the best out of him for the fans.

"Personally, it can get a little bit tense at times, but as I said on TV to his face, and I mean it, our rivalry is based on a professional sense. We both just want to be the best, and we believe we are the best. Iron sharpens iron. We get together, we push each other to have the best match possible, the best interview possible - whatever the situation is."

He continued:

"Sometimes, I can push those buttons a little hard, especially socially, but I love when I get people upset and pi** people off because that's when I get the best results. I know I operate the best when I'm angry, and Seth's pretty easy to press those buttons. When he gets angry, that's when he's at his absolute best. So, I'm willing to push those buttons to get the best result for the fans. But he is one of the best in the world, one of the best I've ever been in the ring with, one of my top rivals, and a genuine professional wrestler," McIntyre said.

Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre might end up facing each other again very soon

Drew McIntyre has had his hands full with his rivalry against CM Punk lately. However, Seth Rollins has had his fair share of problems with both men as well. Rollins served as a special guest referee to the McIntyre - Punk match at Summerslam and ended up giving the decision in The Scottish Warrior's favor.

CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre at Summerslam (Image Credits: WWE.com)
CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre at Summerslam (Image Credits: WWE.com)

While Rollins has been injured following a devastating assault by Bronson Reed a couple of weeks ago, he is completely invested in this McIntye-Punk saga. With the rivalry going three-way down the road, a match between Rollins and McIntyre at a future date won't be surprising. Time will tell what happens when The Visionary returns from his injury.