Drew McIntyre has revealed the raw emotion behind his backstage reaction following his Royal Rumble elimination, shedding light on the challenges surrounding the Royal Rumble match and ongoing frustrations within WWE. The Scottish superstar, eliminated by Damian Priest, left the arena fuming and later discussed how such moments impact his approach and reputation among his peers and fans.
Escalating Tension After the Royal Rumble Elimination
Entering the men’s Royal Rumble at number 17, Drew McIntyre endured just over 26 minutes before Damian Priest sent him over the top rope, sparking immediate and intense frustration. Conditions backstage quickly reflected McIntyre’s mood as he left the arena loudly, reportedly creating new swear words in his wake. Reports surfaced in the days following the event that McIntyre, along with other competitors, was irritated by LA Knight—citing Knight’s focus on personal showmanship over supporting the match’s overall flow.
The elimination marked the beginning of a heated rivalry between McIntyre and Damian Priest that culminated at Saturday Night’s Main Event in May.
During a revealing appearance on the Gorilla Position podcast, Drew McIntyre explained his mindset in moments like these, emphasizing his need to step away from volatile situations for the sake of professionalism.
“I will tell you that I was not happy. I invented a few swear words, and then I left the building. I left the building because I’m a professional. The same with the CM Punk thing. I blow up big time every couple of years, but every time I get upset, it somehow makes the internet because it’s such a scene. Generally, I don’t, but my thing is, I’m going to leave the building.”
—Drew McIntyre, Professional Wrestler
CM Punk’s Return and McIntyre’s Professional Demeanor
The emotional strain on McIntyre resurfaced at Survivor Series 2023 when CM Punk made a highly publicized return to WWE. Unlike Seth Rollins, who voiced his anger loudly at Punk, McIntyre chose again to walk away, prioritizing composure despite annoyance. He contrasted his response with that of Rollins, underscoring how anger, if left unchecked, could escalate into regrettable action.
“I would walk down and punch somebody in the face, because that’s who I am. But I’m also professional, so I’d rather take myself out of this situation because I know how bad my temper is, and sometimes, when you calm down, things are not as they seem. So I’ve learned to just walk away. That’s the adult thing to do. Calm down, look at the things, and then, if you still feel the same, knock somebody out.”
—Drew McIntyre, Professional Wrestler
In previous statements, McIntyre admitted that had he remained in the Royal Rumble backstage environment, his temper may have led to confrontation, emphasizing the importance of removing himself from these volatile scenarios.
The Fallout and Rivalry with Damian Priest
The friction resulting from McIntyre’s Royal Rumble exit set the stage for a storyline feud with Damian Priest. At Saturday Night’s Main Event, their rivalry peaked in a steel cage match where McIntyre suffered a decisive defeat, ending with a brutal Con-Chair-To that sidelined the Scottish wrestler. Following the bout, it was announced that McIntyre would take a break from WWE competition, raising questions about his return to in-ring action.
Despite wrestling with injuries leading up to the big match, McIntyre remained resolute about competing, confirming his commitment to his profession even amid frustration and exhaustion. As it stands, there is no definitive timeline for his return to WWE, leaving fans and insiders to speculate about his next move.
Broader WWE Turmoil and Changes on the Horizon
The emotional tempers seen during the Royal Rumble are not isolated concerns within WWE. In the weeks following McIntyre’s backstage incident, speculation has mounted that more WWE superstars, dissatisfied with company direction, may soon depart. Tag teams and individual performers alike appear to be weighing their futures amid internal shifts.
Behind the scenes, rumors of a substantial power struggle have emerged, raising the possibility of industry veteran Triple H also leaving the organization. Additional headlines feature Kevin Nash delivering critical opinions about a disgraced WWE executive, and Vince McMahon seemingly setting aside ambitions to reclaim ownership of the wrestling giant.
On the artistic side, WWE programming continues to evolve, with WrestleMania possibly heading to Saudi Arabia and fresh matchups emerging across Raw and SmackDown. Notably, Nick Aldis has introduced a major tag team contest to set the tone for WWE Money In The Bank, and Mariah May is rumored to be adopting a new ring name following her impactful debut.
What Drew McIntyre’s Response Means for WWE
Drew McIntyre’s open discussion of his backstage reactions to his Royal Rumble elimination, especially his decision to leave rather than lash out, highlights the significant tension and pressure top stars face in WWE. His rivalry with Damian Priest and emotional response reflect larger creative dynamics, where talent must balance individual passion with professionalism in a fast-changing company environment. As roster shakeups and executive changes loom, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see how McIntyre’s absence affects ongoing storylines and how WWE navigates a moment of widespread uncertainty.
