Drew McIntyre had a fantastic 2024, winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania before embarking on a summer-long feud with CM Punk that gave us many of the year's best matches.
However, heading into this year's Show of Shows, the Scottish Warrior doesn't have a main event match. Instead, he'll likely go one-on-one with Damian Priest. There's a story there - Priest cashed in on him last year and they battled at Clash at the Castle - but many feel McIntyre deserves more.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that original plans called for McIntyre to feud with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
"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," the insider and historian said.
Rhodes vs. McIntyre could make for a great post-WrestleMania feud for both men, regardless of whether Cena wins his 17th world title. We'll have to wait and see but McIntyre could easily move back up the card during the build to SummerSlam.
During a recent interview, McIntyre addressed his place on the WrestleMania card. "It sucks. Because I’m not in a world title match at WrestleMania," he started. "I know in 2024 I had people talking about myself and CM Punk more than anybody. I did 90% of that work. Good for Punk for being Punk. Drew McIntyre did the [frick]ing heavy lifting there."
"So I’m pissed off to be frank I’m not in a world title match. But I’m gonna make something happen. And between now and WrestleMania, I’ll make sure there’s a big match," McIntyre continued. "I’ll make sure there’s a story people are invested in and I’ll make sure the match is f*cking awesome because I’m Drew McIntyre."
He also reflected on a conversation he and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had at Elimination Chamber.
"It all started, you know, The Rock saying those positive words that you captured in 2018. Re-signing [with WWE] last year, knowing where the company was going to go," he explained. "The Rock had sent me that sword. He’s always been on my side. I got a chance to talk with him at Elimination Chamber, and there’s a few things on the horizon. They’re going to be pretty big once it becomes public."
You can watch the full interview in the player below.