While Drew McIntyre was absent from the December 2nd episode of WWE SmackDown, it was announced on that show that he would be teaming with Sheamus on December 12th to take on The Usos in a match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
However, Drew McIntyre took to social media today to reveal that he was “medically disqualified” from competition and would be unable to make an appearance on Friday in Pittsburgh, PA. He did not disclose the reason he’s forced to be absent, but promised to be back soon.
“Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon”
Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown
I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon
— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) December 5, 2022
This announcement left fans wondering what would become of Sheamus’ tag team title opportunity on WWE SmackDown, but they didn’t have to wonder long. During the latest episode of WWE Raw, it was revealed that Sheamus will now team with fellow Brawling Brute BUTCH to take on The Usos on December 12th.
“BREAKING: The winners of this Undisputed Tag Team Title Match on #WWERaw will be defending against @WWESheamus and BUTCH this Friday on #SmackDown!”
BREAKING: The winners of this Undisputed Tag Team Title Match on #WWERaw will be defending against @WWESheamus and BUTCH this Friday on #SmackDown!
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2022
WWE broke the news of Drew McIntyre’s replacement during a tag team title bout between The Usos and the team of Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens. Riddle was scheduled to team with his ally Elias on the show, but Elias was taken out by The Bloodline before the bout, and Owens stepped in. After the match, Solo Sikoa launched a brutal attack on Riddle, forcing him to be removed from the arena on a stretcher.
Drew McIntyre And BUTCH Competed Together Inside WarGames At WWE Survivor Series
Kevin Owens agreed to be Matt Riddle’s tag team partner on WWE Raw after the events inside WarGames at WWE Survivor Series. The night before the premium live event, Owens was revealed to be the fifth member of the team that also included Drew McIntyre and The Brawling Brutes. Their team faced all five members of The Bloodline in the main event of the show.
The WarGames match was highly praised by fans for its storytelling, particularly when it came to Sami Zaynproving his loyalty to The Bloodline. Not only did Zayn stop the referee from counting when Kevin Owens had Roman Reigns pinned, he also hit his longtime friend with a dastardly low blow that allowed Jey Uso to score the pinfall victory for their team following a splash.