For the better part of a year, we've seen conflicting reports about Drew McIntyre's WWE contract status. There were those who claimed his time in the company was winding down, with this year's WrestleMania set to be his last before he signed with AEW.
Then, we heard that both WWE and McIntyre were simply taking their time coming to terms on money and creative.
After all that, it was finally confirmed this week that the former WWE Champion has signed a lucrative three-year deal. Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, McIntyre - who is currently taking time off from in-ring action due to a hyperextended elbow - addressed his decision.
"If you try to politic, you're way ahead of me, I'll just beat you down, and I'll get myself ahead of you because I know how this game works, and I'm too big and wise, and that's why I've been with WWE for the foreseeable future. I wasn't gonna go anywhere. If anybody out there was unsure reading those internet rumors or whatever we were just in a place where I had to get things right from my family."
"I got with Nick Khan and Triple H, and they were so understanding. We got things right for the future. Drew McIntyre was never gonna go away from WWE. And it's awesome that The Rock made that announcement. It is the first time he's done that for anybody on the roster. Drew McIntyre has re-signed with WWE I want to talk with some positive and inspirational headlines."
"I was fired in 2014 by WWE, and I deserve to get fired. I needed to get fired to truly find myself and 10 years later, The Rock’s announcing Drew McIntyre has re-signed with WWE. For anyone out there who's made it and then you get knocked down in your butt. You gotta keep fighting. You gotta keep pushing forward."
It definitely feels like McIntyre has made the right choice here. AEW is a company on the decline and WWE is on a hot streak right now - with Triple H calling the shots - which shows no sign of ending.
Recent months have seen the Scottish Psychopath put front and centre on RAW, with McIntyre proving himself an undeniable highlight on Monday nights. When both he and CM Punk are healed up, all signs point to them going one-on-one.
Check out the full interview with McIntyre below.