After Drew McIntyre’s recent promo on SmackDown, long-time WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray expressed confusion over whether the Scottish wrestler is truly shifting to a babyface role. This uncertainty comes amid escalating tensions between McIntyre, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns following confrontations on Raw and SmackDown last week.
McIntyre’s promo came shortly after he was attacked twice on SmackDown by Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, preventing him from speaking freely. During the segment, McIntyre criticized the actions of Punk and Reigns on Raw, labeling both men as insecure characters. He also directed a personal jab at CM Punk, whom he has real-life issues with, calling him “Fragile Phil,” using Punk’s real name. Wrapping up his speech, McIntyre challenged the entire SmackDown roster to view Punk and Reigns’ disparaging remarks as a call to war.
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray Expresses Doubts About McIntyre’s Role Change
On the Busted Open Radio podcast, Bully Ray voiced clear frustration and skepticism regarding the booking choices surrounding Drew McIntyre’s recent promo and his portrayal. He questioned why CM Punk and Roman Reigns would demean McIntyre, the reigning champion of the other brand, without a clear storyline purpose. Ray argued that despite McIntyre’s strong words during the promo, it positioned the Scottish star as a babyface—something that seemed inconsistent with his recent in-ring actions.
This didn’t make sense. I don’t know why you’re burying the other guy who’s your champion and the other brand. Now maybe, hopefully, they’ll come full circle and give us a reason. But in all my time, all I can say right now is to quote the great Jeff Spicoli, I don’t know.I’m sorry to repeat myself a little bit. I don’t know why you go out of your way to bury Drew, the championship, and SmackDown. I don’t know why you put a promo in the guy’s mouth that I liked, meanwhile, he just eliminated the biggest babyface in the company out of the Royal Rumble when he wasn’t even in the match. It’s like a toxic girlfriend.
?Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Ray highlighted the inconsistency of McIntyre’s character, considering the Scottish wrestler had just recently eliminated the company’s top babyface from the Royal Rumble without officially participating in the match. Bully Ray found this behavior contradictory to the sympathetic tone McIntyre took in his promo.
Moreover, Bully Ray remarked on the lack of clear consequences or story progression following McIntyre’s “declaration of war” against Punk and Reigns. He suggested that war-themed promos make sense only if they lead to major cross-brand events like Survivor Series.
The only way it would have made sense to me in this point in time is if we were going into Survivor Series. A declaration of war. ‘Don’t you dare speak about my brand and my roster the way you have. We’ll show you. We’re declaring war on you.’ Okay, we’re going to get a Raw versus SmackDown, traditional Survivor Series match. I get it.
?Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Recent SmackDown Attacks Add to McIntyre’s Challenges
Prior to his promo, Drew McIntyre endured two attacks on SmackDown from prominent wrestlers Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. These interruptions prevented him from delivering a full promo, heightening questions about his current positioning with WWE’s creative direction. His response to these assaults helped frame him as a determined, defiant presence on the roster despite the ongoing hostilities.
Implications for WrestleMania and Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, Drew McIntyre is scheduled to face the winner of the Elimination Chamber match at WrestleMania 42. This spotlight match could further clarify the direction of his character and his alignment as a hero or otherwise.
The tension between McIntyre, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk sets up an unpredictable dynamic on both Raw and SmackDown, with the possibility of intensified cross-brand rivalries as significant events like Survivor Series approach. If WWE chooses to develop this storyline into a traditional Raw versus SmackDown battle, fans can expect heightened confrontations and potential alliances shifting rapidly in the coming months.
Additional Updates From the Wrestling World
Beyond Drew McIntyre’s storyline, several other wrestling developments have captured attention recently. An NFL star has teased a potential physical encounter with Roman Reigns ahead of the WrestleMania main event, adding crossover intrigue.
MJF has sparked surprise among fans by expressing interest in a dream wrestling match, though with important caveats. In AEW news, tag team Private Party’s contract status is now public amid rumors of a WWE move.
WWE veteran Triple H continues to face backstage scrutiny and criticism, while former WWE tag champions, known for their two reigns on Raw, are reportedly stepping back from competition. NFL legend Tom Brady caused a stir by openly embarrassing a major WWE star on camera, reflecting tensions outside the ring.
Lastly, updates regarding a potential WWE signing of a fourth-generation wrestler, son of a former United States Champion, have emerged, along with surprising mentions of multiple WWE legends, including late Ashley Massaro, in the Epstein Files.
