Speculation about Drew McIntyre’s WWE future continues to grow as the star has been pulled from the April 7th episode of SmackDown.
Last week, PWInsider reported that McIntyre’s contract is set to expire within the next nine months, and that the two sides are not close to reaching a new deal. An update from Fightful Select noted that McIntyre is considering “a number of factors” when it comes to his decision to remain with the company or to let his contract expire.
Now, an update from PWInsider Elite reveals that the Scottish star has been pulled from tonight’s episode of SmackDown. According to the report, he was also supposed to take part in a Cricket Wireless signing prior to the show in Portland, OR, and was instead replaced by GUNTHER. There is no word on the reason he’s been pulled from his appearances.
Drew McIntyre Failed To Capture The Intercontinental Championship At WrestleMania 39
McIntyre was last seen on WWE television when he competed in triple threat action against Sheamus and GUNTHER for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 39. The hard-hitting bout was heavily praised by fans and critics alike, and even received a 5* rating from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. In the end, GUNTHER retained his title, and McIntyre was once again left without a win on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
Drew McIntyre initially joined WWE in 2007 and spent time with developmental promotions OVW and FCW. However, despite a strong start on the main roster, the former Intercontinental Champion slid down the card and was released in June 2014.
The Scottish star then spent the next three years reinventing himself via spells on the independent circuit and IMPACT Wrestling, before returning to WWE in April 2017. The second time around McIntyre became NXT Champion before winning the Royal Rumble and the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36.
McIntyre was a cornerstone of the ‘Pandemic Era’ and remains incredibly popular with fans.