Drew McIntyre WWE victories have long been a hallmark of his career, and his recent ascent to Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating Cody Rhodes on SmackDown continues this impressive tradition. Throughout his time in professional wrestling, The Scottish Warrior has overcome several of today’s AEW stars, many of whom once stood across from him under the WWE spotlight.
Starting his journey in WWE and spanning promotions like TNA, DPW, and Evolve, McIntyre faced a multitude of top talent. A remarkable fact is that a number of current AEW titleholders were once his in-ring rivals, contributing to legendary matches and rivalries. Here is an in-depth look at five current AEW champions and major stars who have experienced defeat at the hands of Drew McIntyre during their WWE tenures.
Drew McIntyre’s Battles with Jon Moxley
The history between Drew McIntyre and Jon Moxley, a former AEW World Champion, features several intense clashes during WWE’s 2018-2019 feud period. While their encounters did not always headline major events, their repeated showdowns on Monday Night RAW became crucial moments for both athletes.
One of their most memorable encounters happened on the March 25, 2019, episode of RAW, where they met in a Last Man Standing match. The contest highlighted the tenacity and aggression both were known for, with Moxley initially gaining an advantage. Ultimately, McIntyre secured victory by delivering successive Claymore kicks, decisively putting Moxley down for the ten-count. This match remains their final WWE face-off—a testament to McIntyre’s resilience and ability to overcome future AEW champions.
Clashing with Adam Cole in NXT Rivalry
Adam Cole, who would later become an AEW standout and TNT Champion, shared a fierce rivalry with McIntyre during their overlapping time in NXT. Cole made a significant impression by ambushing The Scottish Warrior upon his arrival, setting the stage for a heated feud for the NXT Championship.
They finally faced off in a singular singles bout on the January 3, 2018, episode of NXT, with McIntyre putting his championship on the line. Adding prestige to the match, WWE legend Shawn Michaels acted as special guest referee. Both Cole and McIntyre delivered a high-stakes battle reminiscent of independent wrestling styles, marking an innovative moment in the brand’s history. Despite Cole’s resilience, McIntyre retained his title—concluding their storyline and further adding to his list of WWE victories over current AEW stars.
The Ongoing Saga with Andrade
Andrade, presently competing at the top level in AEW, was a notable adversary during McIntyre’s NXT tenure. Their feud blossomed on WWE’s black and gold brand, centering on the NXT Championship, and carried over into their main roster encounters.
Their most recent clash occurred on the May 11, 2020, episode of Monday Night RAW, located at the Performance Center. This meeting reignited their former rivalry, as McIntyre entered the match carrying WWE Championship momentum, while Andrade stood as a formidable, though not main-event, presence on RAW. Demonstrating their well-known chemistry, the two delivered a compelling contest before McIntyre ultimately prevailed, once again sealing a win in memorable fashion with his devastating Claymore.
Ricochet: High-Flying Competition Turned Victory
Ricochet, now recognized as the AEW National Champion, has stood toe-to-toe with McIntyre in several competitive matches across WWE programming, including both RAW and SmackDown. Their last notable singles match unfolded on the November 5, 2021, episode of SmackDown in Indiana, with both athletes performing as fan favorites.
Despite Ricochet’s reputation for high-octane offense, McIntyre’s familiarity and strategic prowess allowed him to secure a decisive victory in the contest. This marked the final direct confrontation between the two, solidifying McIntyre’s dominance over a future AEW champion and earning recognition for Ricochet’s talent in the process.
Enduring Rivalry and Victory Over Bobby Lashley
A truly personal and storied rivalry developed between Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley, culminating in a series of notable WWE Championship clashes. While Lashley enjoyed significant dominance during their encounters, McIntyre proved his capability to overcome The All Mighty under pressure.
Their crucial title match took place at WWE Backlash 2020, set against the unique backdrop of the pandemic era. The Scottish Warrior overcame Lashley cleanly in the ring, defending his championship and solidifying his position among WWE’s elite. Although Lashley would later gain ground in their feud, McIntyre’s Backlash victory remains a highlight, marking his final pinfall win over Lashley in singles competition on live television.
Drew McIntyre’s string of victories over these five AEW champions and major favorites emphasizes his pivotal role in modern wrestling’s cross-promotional landscape. His ability to consistently triumph over renowned competitors, from Jon Moxley to Bobby Lashley, underscores his legacy both in the WWE and the wider wrestling world. McIntyre’s matches against these now-AEW stars not only demonstrate his resilience but further contribute to the anticipation and excitement surrounding future interpromotional encounters in professional wrestling.
