WAYNE ROONEY was unsuspecting victim after being spotted in the crowd at ringside by former WWE heavyweight champions Drew McIntyre.
The Manchester United hero, who recently had a short and unsuccessful spell as manager of Birmingham City, was in attendance at a WWE live event in London on Friday night.
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Rooney, 38, was noticed by keen footie fan McIntyre mid-fight, and he was quick to seize the opportunity to fire a verbal jab in the former England captain’s direction.
McIntyre, also 38, is a Rangers supporter and knows all about Rooney’s achievements on the pitch.
But that didn’t stop him asserting his dominance when it comes to the ring setting.
McIntyre teased Rooney over the fact they are both the same age but these days look remarkably different.
Rooney is of course long retired but McIntyre is at the peak of his powers and aiming to win back the heavyweight belt that he relinquished to Damian Priest at Wrestlemania.
Video footage taken from ringside shows McIntyre with a mic in his hand and pointing out that he had seen Rooney.
He then engages in some verbal sparring with the United favourite.
McIntyre was at first complimentary but it didn’t last long.
In a post shared on his Twitter (X) account, McIntyre said: “Speaking of British legends… is that Wayne Rooney?
“We’re two British icons, I’m only British WWE champion three times.
“I’ve got to give this man his props, from one British legend to another, you were the freaking man in your day.
“He’s smashed football but, aren’t we the same age?
“What the hell happened to you?!”
The caption on the post itself read: I’m the same age as @WayneRooney… What happened to you fella?”
Wrestling fans lapped it up and it seems that even though McIntyre has lost his status as heavyweight champion, his reputation as a trash talker is growing.
One fan said: “Another day, another time Drew cooks someone.”
Another replied: “Drew cooked Rooney.”
A third commented: “Drew with another heater.”
Before a fourth added: “Drew you’re crazy!”
Followers of the Red Devils rushed to defend their club icon.
“Please respect my legend,” said one.
“You went too far!” said another.
And a third said: “Don’t ever come at my glorious Rooney again.”
Another Man Utd fan brought up the difference in European success between McIntyre’s Gers, his own club and Rangers‘ greatest rivals.
He said in response: “Got more European cups than Rangers though Drew. What happened to your continental trophies? Or is that only for the Lisbon Lions the year before our first triumph?”
In an intriguing prospect (especially given Rooney’s infamous boxing history), this fan said: “Drew McIntyre vs Wayne Rooney, book it.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Rooney and his two sons were part of the 16,000-plus attendees at the event, with boxer Anthony Joshua also amongst the crowd.
The likes of undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and former women’s champion Natalya were headliners at the show alongside McIntyre.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page