Drew McIntyre has made it clear that he is committed to maintaining his status as the top competitor on WWE SmackDown. After defeating Cody Rhodes to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship, McIntyre believes he has wrestled the title away from WWE’s so-called “Golden Boy.”
He has also openly expressed reluctance to face Rhodes again at WrestleMania 42, fearing that a victory there might lead to controversial referee decisions favoring him as in prior matches.
Drew McIntyre Challenges SmackDown’s Talent Pool
During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, McIntyre discussed the current WWE landscape, noting that while top stars like Roman Reigns and CM Punk appear on RAW, they continue to reference him in their promos. Despite this, he urged SmackDown’s roster to focus solely on their own show’s success.
McIntyre boldly put the show’s talent on notice and promised to bring his utmost effort every time he steps into the ring, aiming to establish SmackDown as the premier program in WWE once again.
“We’re focused on our stuff, and hopefully the SmackDown roster saw that I said, ‘You know what? Every time I’m in that ring, I’m going to bring it 150%. I’m going to show you all that I belong on this show and SmackDown’s the A-show.’ Like back in the day, I remember being in the locker room as a kid when Taker was leading the charge, and he would get so angry if he saw the numbers and Rob was beating us on a tour, or their show was better.”
– Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Upcoming Matches and Implications for WrestleMania 42
Cody Rhodes has secured a spot in the men’s Elimination Chamber match, with the potential to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 if he emerges victorious. The storyline continues to build tension as McIntyre insists on proving his dominance without relying on outside interference or questionable referee assistance.
Additional WWE Developments to Watch
Elsewhere in WWE, AJ Styles will finally receive a tribute show on RAW, marking a significant moment since his recent retirement at the Royal Rumble. Meanwhile, John Cena has made a heartfelt admission regarding his retirement last December, revealing the emotional challenges behind stepping away from the ring.
Blake Monroe has publicly expressed her intention to pursue the WWE Women’s Championship, signaling increased competition among the women’s division. Additionally, a WWE legend recounted a controversial incident involving Stephanie McMahon during an overseas tour that underscored backstage tensions.
Interest also continues around other rivalries, including a RAW star’s desire to face WWE Women’s Undisputed Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania, and reflections on The Rock’s decision to take a different path during John Cena and Cody Rhodes’ feud last year.
Stephanie McMahon herself was reportedly taken aback by harsh insults directed at her during a Raw promo, highlighting ongoing drama behind the scenes. Lastly, Eva Marie recently spoke candidly about a viral wardrobe malfunction from 2016, shedding light on the event’s backstory.
What McIntyre’s Warning Means for SmackDown’s Future
Drew McIntyre’s declaration sends a clear message to SmackDown’s roster: he intends to elevate the show’s status by delivering exceptional performances and demanding the same from his peers. His fierce determination could fuel rivalries and inspire higher standards within the brand, potentially reshaping SmackDown’s position in WWE’s weekly lineup.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, fans can expect intensified competition, dramatic showdowns, and McIntyre’s relentless pursuit to prove that SmackDown remains WWE’s premier show.
