WrestleMania 39 is just around the corner and every WWE Superstar in the locker room is trying to secure a last-minute spot on the card.
However, for one former World Champion, those efforts will be in vain.
On the March 3rd episode of SmackDown, Drew McIntyre came to the ring and called out Intercontinental Champion Gunther. Instead of being met by the Austrian star, McIntyre was confronted by Sheamus who said that his friend had gone behind his back in trying to secure a match for the title he is desperate to win. In turn, this brought out LA Knight, Karrion Kross, and the New Day.
As the argument turned into a full-scale brawl, McIntyre launched himself over the top rope into his rivals, with Kofi Kingston taking the brunt of the impact. It was revealed after the show that Kingston had been injured in the incident.
While the true nature of Kingston’s injury was initially unclear, Dave Meltzer has reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the star is set to undergo surgery.
“Kingston is undergoing surgery on his injured ankle so that will delay his return. It was a fluke accident as his ankle went out catching McIntyre doing a flip dive on 3/3”
Intercontinental Title Picture Remains Unclear After WWE SmackDown
That brawl led to a Fatal-Five-Way Match being announced for the following week, with Xavier Woods replacing the injured Kingston. In the end, both McIntyre and Sheamus scored pins simultaneously. Later in the show, it was announced that the pair will meet on March 17th to determine who will face Gunther at WrestleMania.
It has since been reported that McIntyre also nearly missed SmackDown due to being ill all week, and was only cleared the day of the show.