Fitness enthusiasts at Muscle Lab Gym in Paisley received an unexpected treat this week with surprise visits from WWE star Drew McIntyre and World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman.
Drew McIntyre, 39, originally from Ayr but now residing in Nashville, Tennessee, returned to Scotland for the Clash at the Castle event, where he will face Damien Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship at Glasgow’s Hydro this weekend. Ahead of the highly anticipated match, McIntyre squeezed in a crucial training session on Thursday night at Muscle Lab Gym, much to the delight of the gym’s 400-plus members.
The following day, the gym welcomed another notable figure when Tom Stoltman, the World’s Strongest Man from Invergordon, arrived for a workout. Stoltman impressed gym-goers with his incredible strength, effortlessly lifting 60kg (over 9st 4lbs) dumbbells.
Gym owner Chris Strathearn expressed his excitement about the visits: “Tom came straight in, had no breakfast, and warmed up on the 60kg dumbbells for reps with no issues. Drew, recovering from elbow surgery sustained at Wrestlemania, managed a 50kg dumbbell shoulder press with ease.”
Strathearn highlighted the significance of the week, mentioning other high-profile visitors such as Dorian Yates and Wesley Vissers, but emphasized the exceptional nature of having McIntyre and Stoltman visit back-to-back. “They were really nice, chatted with people, and gave autographs. Drew gave us a WWE belt, which was pretty amazing too,” he added.
McIntyre further delighted fans by posing for pictures, signing the gym’s wall of fame, and visiting his beloved Ibrox on Thursday, where he was inducted into the Scottish Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Rangers club presented him with a brand new away kit, and McIntyre couldn’t contain his joy as he walked down the tunnel and onto the pitch at Ibrox.