Drew McIntyre WWE Championship aspirations have driven the Scottish Warrior through a challenging period in 2024 and 2025 as he repeatedly faced off against Damian Priest. Although McIntyre respects Priest, he admits that focusing on their rivalry cost him valuable opportunities to capture the title he seeks.
McIntyre’s Ongoing Battle for Championship Success
Drew McIntyre has been close to winning major WWE titles this year but has yet to clinch the WWE Championship. His chances at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber events fell short due to interference from Damian Priest, who famously cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on McIntyre at WrestleMania 40 Night 2. Since then, McIntyre has endured a heated back-and-forth with Priest, delaying his pursuit of WWE gold.
Although McIntyre has managed to move beyond his feud with Priest and also put Randy Orton behind him, his main focus is now squarely on winning the WWE Championship. This goal will be tested at Wrestlepalooza: Indianapolis, where McIntyre is set to face Cody Rhodes for the coveted title.
Setting the Stage for Wrestlepalooza: Indianapolis
The tension escalated on the August 8th SmackDown episode when McIntyre caused an injury to Cody Rhodes, intensifying their rivalry ahead of their championship clash. Both Superstars are scheduled for a contract signing on SmackDown, which will formally set the scene for their Wrestlepalooza showdown. McIntyre has vowed that this time, no distractions or interruptions will derail his quest for the WWE title.
Speaking with Peter Rosenberg on Cheap Heat, McIntyre acknowledged Damian Priest’s talent and place within WWE but expressed his frustration over their prolonged conflict costing him championship chances. He said,
“(Damian) Priest is someone that belongs in WWE, belongs on our roster. Big, physical, stands out wherever he goes, loves this industry but unfortunately during that time, I didn’t want to be doing anything but fighting for the title. When I say I feel like, it’s not feelings, it’s evidence but people don’t like to look at evidence. If you look at every moment over the past few years, everything I said is true and you see I can complain and whine and I’m disillusioned but I’m not. I got screwed,” said McIntyre.
What Lies Ahead for Drew McIntyre and the WWE Championship
After years of near misses and distractions, Drew McIntyre’s upcoming match at Wrestlepalooza: Indianapolis represents a crucial turning point. With his sights firmly fixed on the WWE Championship and no other feuds to detract from his goal, this encounter may finally bring the long-awaited triumph McIntyre has fought so hard to achieve. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see whether the Scottish Warrior’s persistence will pay off and secure him the title he has long sought.
.@CodyRhodes and @DMcIntyreWWE make their WWE Championship Match at #Wrestlepalooza official with a Contract Signing TONIGHT on #SmackDown!
📺 8ET/7CT on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/iIRrxanais
— WWE (@WWE) September 19, 2025
