On the March 10th episode of SmackDown Drew McIntyre attempted to book himself a spot on the card at WrestleMania 39.
The week before, tempers between the Scottish star and friend Sheamus had become frayed as McIntyre called out Intercontinental Champion Gunther. Instead of being greeted by the champion, McIntyre was confronted by Sheamus who accused his friend of going behind his back in trying to secure a title shot, especially as he has made no secret of his desire to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Their squabble brought out Karrion Kross, LA Knight, and the New Day and it wasn’t long before a brawl ensued. This led to a match between all involved being announced for the following week. However, by the time March 10th rolled around, Kofi Kingston was replaced by Xavier Woods due to injury. It has now been reported that McIntyre also nearly missed the match.
The report from PWInsider Elite has revealed that the former WWE Champion was “extremely ill” in the week leading up to the match, and wasn’t cleared to compete by the medical team until arriving at the taping. McIntyre worked a number of live events in the days after SmackDown and earned a great deal of respect for how hard he works even if he’s ill or banged up. PWInsider adds that as a result McIntyre is seen as a “locker room leader.”
Drew McIntyre To Face Sheamus On SmackDown
The match on SmackDown wasn’t without controversy. With a match at WrestleMania with Gunther on the line was fast and furious. Knight and Kross initially teamed with great success before Woods came to the fore late on. However, it was McIntyre and Sheamus who picked up the win. Yes, both of them.
Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Woods and McIntyre flattened Knight with a Claymore Kick. Both stars went for the pin simultaneously and were declared the winners.
Later in the show, Gunther confronted Adam Pearce and demanded that he decide on one challenger for WrestleMania. The official then announced that Sheamus and McIntyre will meet one-on-one on March 17th.