Drew McIntyre’s post-WrestleMania plans look to have been changed.
2024 saw McIntyre put in the best work of his career as he was part of the feud of the year with CM Punk that culminated in the critically acclaimed Hell in a Cell match.
McIntyre was moved over to SmackDown at the start of 2025 as part of the Talent Transfer Window and looks set to face Damian Priest at WrestleMania as Priest eliminated McIntyre from the Rumble and both men have come to blows on subsequent episodes of SmackDown.
While it was previously rumoured that the reason for the move was so that McIntyre would be a challenger for Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes after WrestleMania, this may no longer be the case.
As reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, McIntyre is unlikely to challenge for the championship if heel John Cena defeats Rhodes in April:
Nothing else has been announced but all signs also continue to point to Rhea Ripley being added to the Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair world women’s title match, which has to happen given Ripley is clearly right now the biggest star of the women. Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton, Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre (McIntyre was moved to Smackdown originally for a title match series with Rhodes, but if Rhodes loses that falls apart as I don’t see them doing Cena vs. McIntyre) and Naomi vs. Jade Cargill were all rumored, seemed likely coming out of Elimination Chamber and pushed hard on television this week.
Drew McIntyre Looks Back On Hell In A Cell Match
The Cell match between McIntyre and Punk was many fans’ pick for the match of the year due to its brutality and for bringing prestige back to the violent stipulation that was previously watered down. In an exclusive interview with Inside The Ropes, Drew McIntyre spoke about his mindset heading into the match.
Inside The Ropes Magazine spoke with Drew McIntyre for the latest issue, which can be purchased here.