Drew McIntyre recently fired back at Roman Reigns and CM Punk following their disparaging comments about him and the Undisputed WWE Championship during a SmackDown promo. The confrontation took place on the Busted Open Radio podcast, where McIntyre, known as “The Scottish Psychopath,” expressed that he was not particularly concerned by the personal attacks but rather offended by how the WWE title and SmackDown were undermined. He insisted that belittling the championship and the blue brand as if they were second-tier was unacceptable to him.
McIntyre called out both Reigns and Punk for making the Undisputed WWE Championship seem like a consolation prize. He also strongly rejected the implication that SmackDown is a lesser platform within WWE. This frustration fueled his passionate response on SmackDown weeks earlier, as he sought to defend the prestige of both the title and the brand he represents.
Say whatever you want about me. I can protect myself. I look after myself verbally. To be honest, they weren’t even that bad… That didn’t bother me. It was the stuff about the [WWE Championship] and SmackDown, making it feel a little less than when they’re such big superstars………
Drew McIntyre via the Busted Open Radio podcast
McIntyre urged the entire SmackDown roster to elevate their performances and approach every match with seriousness to avoid falling into complacency or disrespect. As a former member of 3MB, he found it particularly galling that the SmackDown brand and its world champion were portrayed as the “easy way out,” a phrase Punk used during his heated exchange with Reigns. McIntyre sees this narrative as harmful to the brand’s reputation.
Intensity in the Lead-up to WrestleMania 42
In the same interview, McIntyre expressed his desire for SmackDown talent to consistently deliver at their highest level in the ring. He reflected on the recent WrestleMania 42 build-up, where he was overlooked by Roman Reigns as a potential challenger. McIntyre bluntly described Reigns’ decision as opting to face
“a tattooed sociopath fragile Phil who’s just one fall away from his career being over”
rather than confronting him, the imposing 280-pound “Scottish war machine.”
McIntyre confidently claimed that without Reigns’ usual allies, the Samoan wrestling contingent, he would easily defeat him. He dismissed the ongoing back-and-forth between Reigns and Punk as childish “aura farming,” contrasting it with the hunger he sees across WWE’s locker room, where competitors are scrambling to secure their spot in the Elimination Chamber match — a direct gateway to challenging McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE title at WrestleMania’s main event.
WrestleMania 42: Who Does McIntyre Want to Avoid?
The upcoming men’s Elimination Chamber match, scheduled for next Saturday, will decide who earns the right to challenge McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. Confirmed competitors include Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, Je’Von Evans, and two remaining open spots. While all participants will fight fiercely for the WrestleMania title opportunity, McIntyre was clear about one opponent he does not want to face.
Undisputed WWE Champion @DMcIntyreWWE is down to face ANYONE at #WrestleMania, BUT… pic.twitter.com/R2mw7Yvl3I
SiriusXM Busted Open
When asked specifically about potential challengers, McIntyre stated pointedly that he wants to face anyone except Cody Rhodes. He cited past matches between them where he felt referees favored Rhodes, which hindered fair competition. Although McIntyre ultimately defeated Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match in Germany last month, the memories of officiating controversies still linger in his remarks.
Addressing narratives suggesting that Jacob Fatu’s interference was the deciding factor in his championship win, McIntyre stressed that Fatu admitted he had already lost momentum in the cage before Fatu’s arrival. This, according to McIntyre, proves his championship victory was legitimate and not due to outside influence.
The Scottish wrestler emphasized his determination to prevent Rhodes, whom he referred to by the nickname “QB1,” from regaining the title while Rhodes appears to have the WWE brass’s favor again.
Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship is currently planned to main event Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 this year. The match could see Jacob Fatu being added to make it a triple-threat.
Wrestle Ops
McIntyre’s Vision for SmackDown and His Championship Reign
Drew McIntyre shared that reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship was a mission he pursued not only for himself but also to shake up the SmackDown brand. He wants the show to be seen as unpredictable and dangerous, contrasting with a more sanitized image he described as “sunshine and lollipops.”
Despite his reluctance to face Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, the match between them seems scheduled to headline Night 1 of the event, possibly including Jacob Fatu as a third participant. This development sets the stage for continued tension and high stakes in the championship storyline.
Upcoming Elimination Chamber Match Participants and Stakes
The Elimination Chamber event will feature several top stars vying for a chance to challenge McIntyre at WrestleMania. Alongside Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and Je’Von Evans are confirmed participants, with two more slots awaiting confirmation. Victory in this high-pressure contest will secure a coveted WrestleMania 42 title shot. The intensity surrounding the match highlights the competitive depth in WWE’s roster.
Drew McIntyre says he was more upset about CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ comments on the WWE Championship and SmackDown than what they said about him:
“Say whatever you want about me. I can protect myself. I look after myself verbally. To be honest, they weren’t even that bad… That… pic.twitter.com/ErwYxUIpPW
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 19, 2026
Undisputed WWE Champion @DMcIntyreWWE is down to face ANYONE at #WrestleMania, BUT… pic.twitter.com/R2mw7Yvl3I
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) February 19, 2026
Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship is currently planned to main event Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 this year.
The match could see Jacob Fatu being added to make it a triple-threat.
(via @WONF4W) pic.twitter.com/DzgbHsl6Q5
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 6, 2026
