Drew McIntyre possible WWE return with The Rock is fueling major speculation within the wrestling world following his absence since May 2025, when he lost to Damian Priest at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. As questions swirl about McIntyre’s comeback, WWE fans and insiders alike wonder if he might align himself with The Rock, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in ongoing storylines.
McIntyre’s Hiatus and the Rumored Alliance with The Rock
After his defeat by Damian Priest, McIntyre has been notably missing from WWE programming, with reports suggesting his absence is due both to injury and the decision to take an extended break as part of his current contract. During this period, the Scottish Warrior—once a Royal Rumble winner—has stepped away from the ring to recover and recuperate from ongoing issues.
The prospect of McIntyre returning alongside The Rock, also known as The Final Boss, has gained traction among fans and analysts. The Rock was last seen at WWE’s Elimination Chamber earlier this year, where he revealed a surprising partnership with John Cena. Since then, while Cena’s retirement tour has referenced the Hollywood star, The Rock himself hasn’t appeared in person.
The speculation linking Drew McIntyre to The Rock’s group stems from rumors that WWE is considering unveiling McIntyre as the latest member of this high-profile alliance. At present, Cena and musician Travis Scott are associated with The Rock’s faction, but McIntyre’s extended absence offers WWE a fresh opportunity to debut this anticipated angle, which previously never materialized.
Outside WWE: McIntyre and The Rock’s Project Collaboration
Beyond the boundaries of WWE, McIntyre and The Rock have recently collaborated on Project Rock, a campaign headed by the 39-year-old McIntyre. Their partnership outside the ring has only heightened interest among fans, who are eager to see whether this teamwork could transition onscreen. Such a move could solidify The Rock’s position within WWE storylines and create a new narrative following John Cena’s retirement, as The Rock might groom his next corporate Champion.
Potential Directions for McIntyre’s Comeback
The manner in which Drew McIntyre returns to WWE remains an open question. Wrestling insiders have floated several possible scenarios, including a long-awaited face turn for McIntyre. Bringing him back as a heroic protagonist, or “babyface,” could reinvigorate his character and energize the WWE Universe. Veteran analyst Eric Bischoff weighed in on this idea after WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, praising McIntyre’s potential in a heroic role:
“I like him as a babyface. I just do. He’s that Scottish Warrior. He’s Braveheart, modern-day version of it. I love that. I could listen to him cut promos all afternoon. I just love his stuff. He’s so good”
. —Eric Bischoff, Veteran Analyst
In previous runs with the company, McIntyre’s portrayal of a good-natured, valiant competitor earned considerable support from fans. A reestablishment of his heroic character upon return could easily reignite the audience’s enthusiasm and create a compelling new narrative arc.
What McIntyre’s Return Could Mean for WWE
The anticipation surrounding Drew McIntyre’s next move continues to grow, with many industry watchers predicting that a partnership with The Rock could dramatically alter WWE’s landscape. Such an alliance might not just benefit McIntyre’s standing, but also reshape existing rivalries and narratives at the highest level of entertainment wrestling. As the Stamford-based company prepares for future milestones and transitions following John Cena’s retirement, the reunification or formation of star-studded teams could be a defining factor in upcoming storylines.
For now, all eyes are on when and how the Scottish Warrior will emerge from his hiatus, and whether he’ll step back into the ring alone or alongside one of wrestling’s most iconic figures. If a Drew McIntyre possible WWE return with The Rock comes to fruition, it promises significant developments not just for these two superstars but for WWE as a whole.
