Drew McIntyre is one of the most popular babyfaces on the WWE roster. He was responsible for single-handedly carrying out the promotion during the pandemic era. The Scottish Warrior was first employed by WWE in 2007 and debuted on SmackDown. Despite being touted to become the next face of the company and being backed on-screen by Vince McMahon, he failed to impress and he was released in 2014.
Since returning in 2017, McIntyre has put on several high-profile performances. His latest critically acclaimed match came at WrestleMania 39 when The Scottish Warrior, Sheamus, and Gunther competed in a Triple Threat bout for the latter’s Intercontinental Championship. He failed to emerge victorious and has since been out of programming, with reports stating that he and WWE are at odds over a new contract.
Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, who last worked a triple threat match at WrestleMania 39, has blacked out his Twitter profile and removed WWE mentions from his bio. #SmackDown #DrewMcIntyre pic.twitter.com/YirmyaVnWJ
— WrestleWorld (@ItsWrestleWorld) April 15, 2023
The latest reports from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via Wrestling Inc.) indicate that the issue may not be contractual but creative. Previous reports have stated that McIntyre likes to be kept informed and involved with his creative process. However, there seems to be a breakdown in communication between both parties.
There were also rumors that he would turn heel, but it seems that WWE could put off that idea. McIntyre has been a face for several years now and is immensely backed by the fans. He was also recently in a partnership with Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes.
Who should Drew McIntyre face if he returns to WWE?
There are a plethora of options for McIntyre if he returns to the company soon. The Scottish Warrior was drafted to RAW during the WWE Draft 2023. Upon moving to the red brand, there are a number of options for the former WWE Champion. While vying for the newly minted World Heavyweight Championship would have been a suitable move, his absence has eliminated that prospect.
If the decision to turn his heel finally comes to fruition. McIntyre could end up facing Cody Rhodes in a high-profile feud. The American Nightmare has successfully managed to overcome all the hurdles thrown in his path, the latest of which was Brock Lesnar.
The flag-bearer for professional wrestling in Britain 🇬🇧@dmcintyrewwe | #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/y43fzTOKTD
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) March 31, 2023
While Rhodes will look to put Lesnar away one more time at Night of Champions, a new challenge in the form of Drew McIntyre could emerge. The Scottish Warrior could be livid with Rhodes for a reason and make the decision to decimate The American Nightmare.
He could even challenge Seth Rollins and attack him after his match against AJ Styles at Night of Champions. A heel McIntyre makes more sense in the storyline, and it remains to be seen whether WWE will explore the option.
