Tag: drew mcintyre

Who should face Drew McIntyre at WWE Clash in Italy? | Opinion 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

On the road to next weekend’s WWE Clash in Italy PLE, Drew McIntyre is advertised for both tonight’s and next week’s WWE SmackDown.

It will be his first televised appearance since his unsanctioned WrestleMania 42 match loss to Jacob Fatu after which have been tumultuous changes in storyline dynamics and rising talents in his absence. 

So what’s next for the former champion? Here’s a few ideas for his direction ahead of next weekend’s big event in Turin.

Ilja Dragunov

Dragunov’s pursuit of the United States title seems to be on hold after Trick Williams’ win at WrestleMania, and Sami Zayn still holding on to hope for another rematch. 

While that develops, Dragunov could pick a feud with McIntyre. Going up against an established name like McIntyre could offer him a fresh rivalry outside of the championship scene. McIntyre’s frustration following the loss to Fatu could create a natural conflict for Dragunov’s relentlessness. 

Even if the rivalry does not have long-term storytelling, one match is enough to appeal to fans. Both men are known for their intense matches making their rivalry a perfect fit for a PLE like Clash in Italy.

Trick Williams

With Williams becoming a breakout star on the main roster in McIntyre’s absence, a rivalry between the two is going to come at some point.

Within six months of his SmackDown debut, Williams not only became a fan favorite, but he competed in his first WrestleMania match and won the United States title as referenced above. That in itself could irk McIntyre to call him out, being unsupportive of his rise to stardom in his time away.

It would create the classic veteran vs. rising star dynamic, enabling Williams to gain further credibility by facing and possibly defending the title against McIntyre. 

Additionally, McIntyre’s persona, along with Williams’ charisma and confidence amid conflicting fan support, could create some fun tension for a rivalry. 

Ricky Saints 

Saints competed in his SmackDown debut against undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Despite their history dating back to their AEW tenure, Saints’ in-ring capability captured the WWE audience’s attention. 

Saints already has the self-assured, verbally sharp and main character energy persona. Meanwhile, McIntyre is brutal, hardened and emotionally driven. He could call out Saints for embodying what WWE values like his charisma. This would provoke a retaliation from Saints, concluding in a verbal confrontation that could lead to a match next weekend.

Matt Cardona 

A similarity between Cardona and McIntyre is that both men reinvented themselves following their WWE exits in early years of their careers.

McIntyre rebuilt himself and become World Champion worthy while Cardona transitioned from a comedy centric undercard talent to self-made independent wrestler. This would lay the foundation for a philosophical clash.

Ever since his return, Cardona has not been featured in a dominant rivalry. He attempted to influence Randy Orton’s decisions during his Rhodes feud for WrestleMania but that did not end well. 

He has lacked a defining feud and storyline upon his return, and a match with McIntyre could reverse the situation, providing Cardona with the platform to showcase that his accomplishments outside of WWE were validated and relevant.

Drew McIntyre advertised for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Drew McIntyre is advertised for the upcoming edition of SmackDown this weekend via WWE’s official website. However, featured and announced talents are often subject to change. 

McIntyre is also featured on the poster for the May 29 edition of the WWE program in Barcelona. It is the final stop before Clash in Italy on May 31at Inalpi Arena. 

His last WWE appearance was at WrestleMania where he lost to Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match. Fatu moved on to pursue the World Heavyweight Championship from Roman Reigns at Backlash. And they will have a rematch at the Premium Live Event in Turin, Italy. 

It was reported that McIntyre was taking time off to complete filming for Highlander reboot, set for release in 2027. Despite the hiatus, his inclusion in the promotional material for the upcoming edition of SmackDown suggests WWE has potential for him to be present for Clash in Italy. 

The year was on rocky ground for McIntyre who won the Undisputed WWE Title from Cody Rhodes in January. But then lost it barely 55 days later to Rhodes due to Fatu’s return and interference. And that ultimately led to their feud at WrestleMania. 

The timing of McIntyre’s return and appearances are in-synced with the path to Clash in Italy. There are no confirmed details on his participation.

Five absent WWE stars who need big comeback storylines | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

WWE’s uncertain atmosphere amid recent talent releases and prominent absences has led to questions on their wrestling future. 

WrestleMania 42 took place nearly a month ago and Backlash has already come and gone. Still, many talents have still not resurfaced on WWE TV. 

Here’s a few noticeably absent WWE stars whose returns must outshine their last matches and appearances on TV. 

Randy Orton 

He was heavily anticipated to defeat Cody Rhodes and win his 15th WWE World title at WrestleMania 42. Despite Pat McAfee’s involvement, that didn’t happen. Since then, Orton has not made any televised or public appearances, raising the question on what’s next for the WWE veteran. 

Prior to WrestleMania, Dave Meltzer had reported that Orton was hurting, dealing with undisclosed physical health issues. McAfee’s involvement was to also set up a tag team match with Orton against Rhodes and Jelly Roll at Backlash that never came to be.

There is no update or confirmation on Orton’s return timeline, but whenever it does happen, WWE needs to ensure he accomplishes his long-term goal of a World title.

Drew McIntyre 

Jacob Fatu has already moved on from Drew McIntyre after their WrestleMania collision to focusing on the bigger picture and Roman Reigns’ World Heavyweight title.

Reports indicate that McIntyre’s WWE TV absence is to wrap up filming Highlander, a reboot of the1986 movie, also featuring Henry Cavill. 

McIntyre could continue his callous attitude, unfazed by WWE authority on his return. Pitting him against Rhodes for the WWE Championship again would be monotonous as he needs to assert territorial dominance and could ideally challenge relatively new talent on the SmackDown roster like Trick Williams or another heavy hitter like Ilja Dragunov.

LA Knight

Knight has had a complex WWE run over the past couple of years.

He competed in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania. Prior to the event, he addressed a bursa flare up that was keeping him away from in-ring action of any kind. While this might explain his ongoing absence, there is always going to be concerns about his WWE future given the current environment.

Knight’s return to WWE should be fueled to win the World Heavyweight Title or Money in the Bank which didn’t happen last year. Either way, he needs a defining run to remind fans and WWE management why he is one of the company’s most organically popular stars today. 

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

The tag team squared off against Judgment Day on the Raw after Mania but have not made any appearances since.

Bayley’s unfortunate luck in capturing the Women’s Tag Team Titles has been looming since WrestleMania last year, but her partnership with Valkyria still has much potential. 

WWE must ensure their alliance is intact while also keeping both women relevant in the women’s division. This would help their positioning as a babyface tag team and possibly develop Valkyria as a singles competitor under Bayley’s mentorship.

Drew McIntyre responds to fan behavior during WWE WrestleMania 42 week

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Drew McIntyre has opened up regarding the fan behavior he received during the WWE WrestleMania 42 week.

WWE WrestleMania 42 recently took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Superstars were met with different types of behavior from the fans. At the WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas, security concerns were reported by Fightful Select, Sean Waltman was assaulted, and even CM Punk got into a heated fan altercation. Now hours after the show, McIntyre has opened up on something similar.

Known for his outspoken nature, McIntyre took to social media to slam the disrespectful fans who “rushed” him and his family in Las Vegas. Although he also had a few kind words to share about the fans who displayed respect.

“For those fans who spent hard earned money on a chance to say hello, take a photo, have something signed, or give me one of my many, many bracelets, I appreciate each and every single one of you,” McIntyre said.

“To those who rushed my family and I in the hotel, kept your kids up till 2am throwing them in front of us, or shoved a camera in my face without asking, you’re lucky I’m a calm natured person outside the ring. Please don’t do that ever again.”

At WrestleMania 42, McIntyre faced and lost to Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match.

Jacob Fatu shares what Roman Reigns told him backstage before WWE WrestleMania 42

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Roman Reigns met Jacob Fatu backstage at WWE WrestleMania 42 and encouraged him to stay grounded before his Unsanctioned Match against Drew McIntyre. 

Speaking with Daniel Cormier, Fatu revealed he got emotional ahead of his WrestleMania match with Drew McIntyre. Backstage, Reigns approached him and offered reassurance, encouraging Fatu to calm his nerves, enjoy the moment and take it all in. Fatu also expressed gratitude for his 2-0 streak at WrestleMania within his two-year WWE tenure. 

“Nah, but yesterday was, it was emotional. It didn’t hit me until I actually was getting ready to walk out. I’m so nervous. I seen a couple cats on the way. I seen my big Uce, I seen the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns yesterday. Right before I walked out. He still calls me Jake, Jakester, Jakey, you know what I mean? So he had to (tell me), you know, ‘hey, man, calm down. Enjoy the moment,’ you know? Something that my wife always tells me, but Roman was like, ‘just take it all in,’ and before I went out, man, being ready, having my gear on and locked in, just thinking about all the tough times, all the struggle, everything to bring me to this moment right here. I mean, come on, I’m very blessed to be in WWE for two years and be 2-0 at WrestleMania right out the gate.”

Fatu had high praise for his WrestleMania 42 opponent, acknowledging the impact he had on their match and buildup. 

“Drew McIntyre ain’t no regular guy. He’s a beast. So, it might sound weird, but shout out to Drew”

“No, he’s not (a normal dude). I mean we got to think about what he’s been doing. I feel like this would have never happened, it would have never had got to where it went if it wasn’t for Drew McIntyre.” 

Fatu defeated McIntyre on Night One of the Premium Live Event last weekend. On the Raw after Mania, Fatu challenged Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. He claimed that it was not a want but a need to have everything Reigns does. 

Reigns outlined the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with being World Champion. He did not give Fatu a definitive response but instead gave him a week to think it over. As the show came to a close, Reigns was heard telling Jimmy Uso to talk some sense into Fatu.

Damian Priest reportedly intervened in separate post-WWE WrestleMania hotel incident

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

After WWE WrestleMania 42, a clip was circulating of CM Punk snatching and throwing a fan’s phone. The person seemed to be recording Bayley and AJ Lee embracing and bidding farewell to each other.

According to PWInsider, that was not an isolated incident at the hotel. Earlier, Damian Priest had to step in when fans were swarming a female WWE talent for autographs and photos. They also noted an incident of a WWE referee almost knocked down by a crowd of fans gathered at the hotel.

Last week at the hotel there was significant concern surrounding the security. The hotel’s connection to the casino led to fans gathering and camping by elevators and the lobby area waiting to get pictures with the WWE stars. There were multiple instances with Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre and more talents getting hounded by fans with little to no security in sight at their place of stay during the Premium Live Event. 

WWE stars have often addressed situations when fans approach them at airports and public spaces for signings and photographs. A few agree to their requests but Rhea Ripley, Kevin Owens, The Undertaker and Chelsea Green among others have instructed fans to avoid approaching them in such settings which can lead to uncomfortable and awkward encounters.

Last month, Stephanie Vaquer responded to a fan who claimed that she was the only wrestler who did not give in to his requests for a photo or a signature at the airport following Raw in New York City. She expressed that despite multiple refusals the individual continued to follow her and left her feeling uneasy. 

Drew McIntyre reacts to IShowSpeed’s ‘incredible’ WWE WrestleMania 42 performance

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

IShowSpeed made his WWE in-ring return at WrestleMania 42. He kicked off Night One teaming up with The Vision against LA Knight and The Usos.  

Drew McIntyre applauded IShowSpeed’s performance at the Premium Live Event in an interaction shared on his Instagram Story. During the WrestleMania bout, IShowSpeed followed Austin Theory’s instructions to run the ropes and set up an attack on Knight. However, that was botched when Knight shoved Theory into IShowSpeed, and hit him with the BFT followed by the pin to win for his team.  Paul was infuriated and attacked IShowSpeed. With help from The Usos and Knight IShowSpeed hit a massive splash off the ringpost onto Paul laid out on the announcer’s table.

“When I was watching the end, the splash was unbelievable. I thought he broke his ribs, you bounced off him. The hardest thing to do – Logan has done the same thing, you and Logan are so similar – the hardest thing you can learn is just to be yourself on screen. You just know who you are.”

“Anybody can learn the moves, maybe not be as good at executing them, but I think that’s easy for you. The personality, knowing who you are, the between the moves s**t, that’s the important stuff. Yourself and Logan, you just got it instantly. The fans know who you all are, the fact that they can connect with you is because you know who the f**k you are. Plus you can do the moves.”

The match came about after IShowSpeed accidentally cost The Usos the World Tag Team Championship on Raw last month. Later, Knight crashed one of IShowSpeed’s livestreams at his home and attacked him. 

On the other hand, McIntyre faced Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match the same night. Their rivalry intensified earlier this year when Fatu’s return and interference in McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship reign. In the brutal showdown at WrestleMania 42, Fatu walked away with the victory.

Who needs to get a win at WWE WrestleMania 42? | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

It is finally WrestleMania week as WWE takes over Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

While nearly every WrestleMania 42 match carries some kind of significance, some outcomes will have a far greater impact than others. Here’s who I think needs a win the most on this year’s back-to-back cards.

Liv Morgan over Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE Women’s World Championship

Morgan’s rivalry with Vaquer has evolved into one of the most personal feuds on the card.

Morgan’s women’s Royal Rumble victory was widely viewed as overdue recognition for her contributions to the women’s division. Her eventual decision to challenge Vaquer, after being questioned about her work ethic, added a layer to the storyline.

Vaquer moved up to the main roster and won the title at Evolution last year. She initially drew fans’ support, but the limited title defenses and lack of engaging storylines became stale.

A WrestleMania victory would not only validate Morgan’s resurgence but also solidify her third reign as Women’s World Champion.

Randy Orton achieves his goal of a 15th World title

For Randy Orton, the mission is simple: win world title No. 15.

After falling short against John Cena last year, he now finds himself across the ring from Cody Rhodes—his former protege and friend. Their shared history has added depth to the build, particularly following Orton’s brutal contract signing attack.

Rhodes’ reign has been successful, but a bit formulaic. Orton winning here would not only achieve that goal, but would freshen up the main event scene and hopefully Rhodes afterward.

Oba Femi destroys Brock Lesnar

Femi vacated his NXT Championship in December 2025, and made his main roster debut at the Royal Rumble. He demonstrated dominance over the next few weeks on Raw and SmackDown and then responded to Brock Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania 42.

Getting a win over someone of Lesnar’s stature at a platform like WrestleMania 42 in a dominant fashion would really accelerate Femi’s WWE career and help him become part of wrestling history. 

‘The Demon’ teaches Dominik Mysterio a lesson

From a familial bond to becoming enemies in the ring, the tension between Finn Balor and Mysterio had been brewing for a long while now with Mysterio’s constant critic of Balor’s inability to win the World Title as a big part of it.

The return of his iconic entrance theme and presentation associated with the Demon moniker has elevated the hype. The last time the character made an appearance was at WrestleMania 39 for his Hell in a Cell match against Edge and a lot has happened to both men since then.

During his time in the Judgment Day, it felt as though his run was being muffled. A win at WrestleMania 42 will hopefully revert him back to the destined push/opportunities he missed out in recent years.

Seth Rollins ends Gunther’s streak as the ‘career killer’ 

The unexpected buildup for Gunther and Seth Rollins for WrestleMania may have felt a bit rushed storyline-wise, but both stars are prominent enough to warrant a spot on the WrestleMania card. The two have a brief history when they collided in the semifinals for the World Heavyweight Championship in 2023. 

A victory for Rollins at Mania, especially with odds stacked against him and Gunther’s possible alliance with Heyman, would make for a compelling outcome. 

Rhea Ripley dominates the championship picture again in 2026

Since winning the the WWE Women’s title in November 2025, Cargill has defended it just once, that being in February. This led to concern from some fans regarding her in-ring capabilities and future as champion.

Going into their feud at WrestleMania, Ripley has earned the fans’ sympathy and support, especially with Cargill’s new alliance with B-Fab and Michin. Although she has IYO SKY in her corner, it might not be enough for Ripley to counter the numbers advantage for ‘Mania. 

But Ripley winning the title and officially moving to the SmackDown brand would re-establish her dominance, and shift her back into the singles spotlight. It would also prove beneficial for Sky’s future as a singles competitor after their tag team run.

Jacob Fatu sustains momentum

Fatu witnessed a rapid ascent since walking away from Solo Sikoa’s side of the Bloodline fence and on his own.

In January, he interrupted Drew McIntyre’s WWE Title match with Cody Rhodes which cost him the championship. McIntyre vowed revenge ever since and the two have continued their feud which only escalated in March, hence the unsanctioned match this weekend.

Fatu is being cemented as a top tier star in WWE. A marquee win over someone credible as McIntyre would benefit his career while a loss would weaken the dominant presentation WWE has been building up for Fatu. 

On the other hand, for McIntyre, a talent who has competed in consistent main events in his career, a potential loss would serve as a catalyst for a character evolution. It could also push for a more unhinged and unpredictable direction. 

WWE’s Jacob Fatu reflects on missed opportunities

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Jacob Fatu missed the last four months of 2025 after undergoing dental surgery. Now while he’s trying to move forward, he’s also looking back on what might have been.

Fatu discussed his situation in an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports. “I probably missed out on a lot of opportunities, but it is what it is,” he said. “They say in this business, ‘Things happen, and the show must go on.’ I missed out, but what was I going to do? I couldn’t sit there and dwell. No, none of that.”

Fatu’s last TV match before his surgery was a victory in a trios match, teaming with Jey Uso & Sami Zayn to defeat Solo Sikoa & JC Mateo & Tonga Loa on SmackDown last August. He wrestled several dark matches in August and September, but then was written off TV after being allegedly attacked backstage.

The “attack” came just before Fatu was to wrestle Drew McIntyre, with the winner going on to challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Instead, he vanished for months, returning in January to get involved in a cage match between McIntyre and Rhodes, a match in which McIntyre won the title.

As for Fatu, he’s now set to wrestle McIntyre at WrestleMania.

“It’s where I’m supposed to be. It’s the best fit right now,” Fatu said. “I’m not with regular people. These are not regular people. These are names that have done huge things in WWE. Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. It’s not overwhelming, but there’s a fan side of me sometimes, a little bit, that feels like, ‘Damn, I’m really here. Tapping in with them.’ It’ll be a good outlet.”

Cody Rhodes part of new additions to WWE SmackDown lineup

Posted on by Josh Nason

Reigning WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will make his presence felt on Friday’s WWE SmackDown from St. Louis.

Rhodes’ addition to the show was announced Thursday, a day after WrestleMania 42 title challenger Randy Orton revealed the mystery man he has been talking to on the phone will also be in attendance. Orton recently turned on Rhodes in the lead-up to their title match in just a few weeks time.

Rhea Ripley will also be in attendance following the second straight attack last week by WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab as the build to their WrestleMania 42 match continues.

Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre are also expected for the show based on the WWE.com preview.

Lil Yachty will also likely make an appearance after Trick Williams invited him to the show this week amid rumors he and WWE have signed a deal to do something in the ring.

As of now, no matches have been announced.

Current WWE SmackDown lineup | This Friday | St. Louis

  • Cody Rhodes appearance
  • Randy Orton appearance
  • Rhea Ripley appearance
  • Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab appearance
  • Jacob Fatu

Daily Update: Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Persephone

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • A look back at the career of Dennis Condrey of Midnight Express fame
  • Update on WrestleMania, both the matches, business update the ticket demand at the present time
  • An updated look at AEW’s All In on 8/30 at Wembley Stadium as well as a look at the Dynasty show and ticket demand for the show
  • Coverage of El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, CMLL’s second biggest show of the year, with El Satanico’s retirement at 76, The Death Riders appear, the heavyweight title changes hands and Mistico returns
  • A look at the NCAA Division I tournament including a look back 79 years when future pro wrestling legends dominated the heavyweight division and how it ties into the most recent tournament. We also look at the rivalry that could define college wrestling for years to come between a coach and his former pupil, a guy who was in high school in December and wins the NCAA title in March, as well business notes on the show, both attendance and television ratings
  • A look back at Sid Vicious, Badnews Allen and Dennis Rodman’s pro wrestling days
  • Trying to explain the latest controversy in television ratings and how this related to pro wrestling
  • How ratings differ from a sports survey about wrestling fans
  • The most complete look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling television shows over the past week,including competition, demos and comparisons with one year ago, as well as competition in the time slot.
  • Notes on CMLL talent coming to WrestleMania week
  • Major injury to arguably CMLL’s best worker
  • Notes on the 83rd anniversary of pro wrestling in one of its most famous arenas
  • Notes on tentative plans for a major mask vs. mask match
  • Callum Newman and Yuya Uemura tear it up in the New Japan Cup finals
  • Next major New Japan show thoughts with Ospreay’s returnh
  • Tanahashi talks goals to turn the company around
  • Kazusada Higuchi retirement notes
  • Thoughts on Satoru Sayama and his impact on pro wrestling
  • Aja Kongs 40th anniversary show
  • Gable Stevesn and RAF
  • Ted DiBiase Jr acquitted in his case
  • The end of CBS News Radio and what former WCW announcer was an anchor there
  • Notes on the announcing at the orignal When Worlds Collide AAA show
  • Lots of WrestleMania week show notes
  • FantasticaMania comes to the U.K.
  • Update on WBD sale to Paramount Skydance
  • Update on Revolution PPV buys
  • Jeff Jarrett becomes co-owner of a sports franchise
  • Jericho talks about working today
  • More on the Ali Revival Act
  • A list of a lot of PPV buy numbers for UFC
  • Ari Emanuel’s role in getting President Trump to stop the case against Ticketmaster/Live Nation.
  • WWE star training for a bodybuilding contest soon
  • Jesse Ventura rants but his timeline makes sense

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

Drew McIntyre WWE
Drew McIntyre makes his WWE entrance.

WWE

  • Cody Rhodes is featured on the cover of the March/April 2026 edition of Cigar Aficionado magazine. He discussed how pro wrestling is a much healthier place financially than it used to be: 
    • I’m blessed that it’s so much healthier now, in a sense…Everyone’s getting paid more than wrestlers were ever getting paid, which means you can take care of yourself more than every wrestler ever. You can have that great nutritionist, have that great trainer.
  • On The Nikki & Brie Show, Rhodes said there are three episodes of his “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast that will never be released because he was too drunk during the recording. They include interviews he conducted with Alexa Bliss and Big E:
    • I will apologize now. I’ve said this, so I’ll make no secret of it. I will apologize to Alexa Bliss, Big E, I’m not going to name the other one because she’ll go ham with it. But three of these episodes will never make it because of how deep those pours were.
    • It’s never their fault, it’s always my fault. I already have a lisp. So if you’re starting out that way and then you watch it, like, ‘I thought it was okay.’ It’s rough, it’s rough. So I wanted those to be better for them.
  • Drew McIntyre – who recently mourned the death of his cat Chaz – told Insight with Chris Van Vliet that he’ll never use the passing of CM Punk’s dog Larry as a way to get heat:
    • There’s one thing I never make fun of Punk for. When Larry was gone, my heart broke for him and AJ. Because those little guys are just full of love and nothing else.
  • Jacob Fatu and AEW’s Swerve Strickland were among those in attendance at this week’s training session at Nattie & TJ Wilson’s Dungeon. Nattie wrote about the four-hour practice:
    • Tonight was so fun! Another incredible week of work in The Dungeon. A four hour practice with 30 of my friends- pouring their heart, soul and SWEAT onto the mat. Energy matching energy. So proud of this group!
  • At Raw on Monday, Roman Reigns granted a Make-A-Wish by meeting a 12-year-old fan named Javion.
  • Sam Roberts has an interview with Wade Barrett.
  • Former college basketball stars The Cavinder Twins appeared on the latest episode of Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel uploaded the full John Cena vs. Rock matches from WrestleMania 28 and 29.

Other Wrestling

  • Thunder Rosa had high praise for Persephone while speaking with The Takedown on SI:
    • I’m just excited, I’m just excited for her present and for her future. That woman has worked her ass off and from many, many women that I’ve seen that came through Mission Pro, she was one of the ones who worked from the ground up to have the opportunities that she has in Mexico and in the United States.
    • And she hasn’t taken shortcuts, she keeps growing, she keeps learning and the one thing I love about her, she stays humble and she’s super professional. Something that I think is important in professional wrestling is to be professional and she’s one of those and I have so much respect for her.
  • Rosa added that she’s looking forward to an eventual match against Persephone:
    • And when the time comes for us to do this, I think it’s gonna be a banger because she’s mouthy, I’m mouthy, We have really good energy, we’re both from the border. She’s from El Paso, I’m from Tijuana, you know, so we both know what’s up.
    • Like I was saying earlier, if you were born in a border town, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. And as you can see, she was born in El Paso, she made it. I was born in Tijuana, I made it, so I know we can really, really do something amazing for everyone.
  • Shop AEW released a new Chris Jericho T-shirt and hoodie following his return.
  • Black Girl Wrestling interviewed Willow Nightingale.
  • After Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X retained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles today, they were confronted by Kosei Fujita, who issued a challenge on behalf of himself and Robbie Eagles.
  • The Sportster interviewed TNA World Champion Mike Santana.
  • Santana acknowledged yesterday being the two-year anniversary of his AEW departure:
    • 2 years ago today, I was granted my release. I put a plan together for myself and began to execute. It was the best thing I did for my life and career. 
    • Idgaf how long it was going to take but I knew I was going to get sh*t done! I’ve sacrificed too much and after everything I went thru the last few years, I had a fire burning inside that I wasn’t going to let anything extinguish. But above all, my daughter gotta eat! And that she will, by any means! 
    • 2 years later, it’s amazing to see what I’ve been able to accomplish. It’s been such an amazing ride and to think that this is just the beginning, is so exciting. 
    • Follow your heart. That sh*t never lies.
  • Lance Storm looked back on his last-ever match, which was against Matt Hardy on this day in 2016:
    • 10 years ago today I had my final match. I glad this photo is from behind, it feels like a final goodbye. Thank you @matthardybrand
  • Wrestling legend Tully Blanchard recently got married for the third time.

Drew McIntyre addresses WWE Championship loss

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Losing the Undisputed WWE Championship right before WrestleMania 42 was disappointing for Drew McIntyre, but he’s learned to trust that WWE creative always has a plan for him.

McIntyre dropped the WWE title to Cody Rhodes on the March 6 episode of SmackDown, setting the stage for Rhodes to defend the title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Outside of the championship picture for the time being, McIntyre will face off against Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match at the April 18-19 event.

During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, McIntyre said he appreciates that fans were disappointed on his behalf after the title loss. Though he sometimes has those same feelings, McIntyre has developed a good relationship with Paul “Triple H” Levesque and the key decision-makers in WWE creative. There are times where plans change, but they have never lied to him about his direction.

“The fans getting disappointed on my behalf, I appreciate it. And sometimes I am equally as personally disappointed,” McIntyre said. “And I hope to see the future and I do have personal conversations with those in charge and say my feelings. And I’m always told, ‘Drew, here’s what we’re thinking. Or, ‘Here’s what I’m thinking.’ We go this direction, I give my opinion, and it’s always — that’s where we’re going to go. And we have stuck on that path every time. I’ve been so particular about the journey and the character and the nuances, and I’ve not been lied to when it comes to the journey. Things change, that’s just the nature of it.”

McIntyre noted that he understands the bigger picture and why it makes sense for the WrestleMania card to have two big matches with Rhodes vs. Orton and himself vs. Fatu. He believes all of this is part of his character’s story, which will ultimately lead to a big babyface turn down the line.

“And the transitional [champion] thing, if people are saying it right now. I don’t believe that to be the case,” McIntyre said. “I think it’s another part of Drew McIntyre’s story. Personally, it sucks. I’d love to walk into Mania as champion with the title. And whatever might have been supposed to happen would have been very cool. But things happen in the bigger picture, as I’ve been talking about over and over. And as a company, as Mania for two days, we need all these big matches. We need surprises. And this gave us two giant matches. But for Drew McIntyre, you know, screwing over Cody, even though it was in a contract, even though it was justified, and it makes perfect sense to raise the story with Aldis. It makes perfect sense to set up the match with Jacob.

“Now we get this crazy match with Drew McIntyre [and] Jacob Fatu. We get people seeing like, ‘Drew was screwed. But at the same time, kind of deserved it, but did he really deserve it?’ And then Cody and Randy have got their match over there going on right now.

“So I appreciate the fans. If anything doesn’t work out, and I’m sitting there at one point just like, ‘Oh my God, no one cares and the story didn’t make sense and it sucks and I’m left in the lurch,’ then I’ll be the first one to point it out. But that’s not happened so far. And after the stuff I’ve been doing with Jacob, I know McIntyre is right back on track of where we need to be, which I believe inevitably is going to lead to a big babyface run down the line. But I’m not trying to get there any time soon.”

This was McIntyre’s fourth time holding a World Championship on the WWE main roster. His run lasted nearly two months from January-March 2026.

Drew McIntyre would ‘love’ WWE match against Nick Aldis

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Drew McIntyre is hoping that he and Nick Aldis will get the chance to settle their WWE rivalry in the ring.

Since Aldis joined WWE, his on-screen role has been serving as the general manager of SmackDown. Having at least one WWE match remains a goal for Aldis — and McIntyre told Insight with Chris Van Vliet that he would love to face off against Aldis. There have been issues between the two as Aldis has tried to keep McIntyre in line.

“Hell yeah, I would [love to face Aldis]. I can feel it when I’m out there with him. Whenever we go back and forth on the microphone, I can feel the people starting to get into it,” McIntyre said before discussing his current feud with Jacob Fatu.

“But at the same time, there’s this Aldis thing simmering at the side. And every time we go back and forth on the mic, you can feel the tension, you can cut it with a knife. We’ve known each other a long time. I name-dropped his son because I have known him for that long. But what a corporate stooge he is. His kid, Donovan, must be ashamed of him, having such a corporate stooge for a father instead of backing me, the one who’s in the right and the one that he’s known for years and the one who’s his actual friend.

“So when the time is right, be it Mania, be it after Mania, I think we should have a match. And I don’t think there should be any sanctioning around it. I don’t think anyone should be allowed to interfere. You know, he tapes up the fists. He’s not been in the ring a long time. He thinks he can go with a four-time former World Champion in WWE in the big leagues. [Aldis is] probably the greatest NWA Champion of the modern era, since Billy [Corgan] took over the NWA. But he’s not been in there for a long time.

“He’s a big guy, I would love to get in there with him and I’d love to see what damage I could do. No one’s allowed to interfere. They can come up close and ask me to stop politely, but I’ve been known to get a little crazy out there.”

McIntyre pointed out that Aldis is actually younger than him, with Aldis being 39 years old and McIntyre being 40. They have known each other since they were teenagers.

The potential McIntyre vs. Aldis matchup won’t be happening at WrestleMania 42. Instead, McIntyre is set to take on Fatu in an unsanctioned match at the April 18-19 event in Las Vegas.

Drew McIntyre gives update on WWE in-ring future

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Drew McIntyre isn’t planning on slowing down in the ring any time soon.

Appearing on a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, McIntyre was asked if turning 40 years old in 2025 has made him think about how much longer he wants to wrestle. McIntyre noted that he’s feeling good physically and is very creatively fulfilled in WWE. As long as he’s happy, his wife is happy, and the fans are happy, McIntyre is going to keep wrestling.

“I mean, I know my wife feels like it’s going to be a lot shorter than I probably feel it’s going to be,” he responded. “Especially with how I feel now and how creatively fulfilled I feel these days. But as long as I’m happy, as long as she’s happy, and as long as the fans are happy with what I’m doing, I don’t see any reason to slow down any time soon.

“Especially when I see guys getting up there in age right now and moving as well as they’re moving right now, because we’ve just moved so far forward with athletes. Look at LeBron James or [Cristiano] Ronaldo, for example, the same age as me and they’re just still at the top of their game.”

McIntyre was Undisputed WWE Champion before dropping the title to Cody Rhodes last month on the road to WrestleMania 42. McIntyre noted on Insight that, while there may be personal disappointments for himself or his character, he’s able to see the bigger picture on where the company is at and knows he’s still on the right track.

Van Vliet asked McIntyre how his most recent title reign felt.

“Awesome. Nobody saw it coming for one,” he said. “I think everybody assumed that the Cody Express would keep moving on forward. You know, he’s been in that position for a long time. And after he finished the story, he was on absolute fire. I’m not saying he wasn’t doing a great job. He’s a great champion, he’s a great performer.

“But it was a lot of the same, and I think there needed to be a shakeup. And there was a shakeup that no one saw come in when I won in Berlin. My hearing is not great these days, [but] I could hear the crowd. I could hear the response. I could see the response. And it put Cody in a position where he had to chase. Gave Cody a bit of that edge back, which, in my opinion, he desperately needed.”

McIntyre believes the title reign also gave himself some more legitimacy and made SmackDown a more compelling show.

At WrestleMania later this month, Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. McIntyre is set for an unsanctioned grudge match against Jacob Fatu at the event.

Two matches added to WWE WrestleMania 42

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two new matches are set for WrestleMania 42.

New United States Champion Sami Zayn will defend his title against Trick Williams after the two have traded barbs for the last several weeks. And after the two brawled for the vast majority of last week’s SmackDown, an unsanctioned match is now set between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre.

Zayn was upset by the news on Friday that Nick Aldis had no plans for him at WrestleMania, right after the SmackDown GM told Trick Williams that there were, in fact, plans for him. A dejected Zayn walked away, but turned right back when Williams started to taunt him and smacked him, telling Aldis he would find a way. He ended up taking Carmelo Hayes’ open challenge for the United States title and won the match after Williams interfered, knocking out Hayes while Zayn ducked, allowing Zayn to win the helluva kick.

After the match Aldis’ tune changed, telling Zayn he would defend the title against Williams at WrestleMania.

Both Fatu and McIntyre arrived to Friday’s show banged up after the two spent most of last week’s show fighting, with the closing moments of the show seeing them fall off a platform. Fatu called out McIntyre, saying he was banged up but he was going to dogwalk McIntyre regardless. The former WWE Champion came out to declare himself the victim before going personal by bringing up Fatu’s children. Aldis arrived and made the unsanctioned match for WrestleMania, saying WWE would take no responsibility for what would happen.

WWE WrestleMania 42 card — 

  • World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defends against Roman Reigns
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Randy Orton 
  • WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill defends against Rhea Ripley 
  • Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer defends against Liv Morgan 
  • Women’s Intercontinental title: AJ Lee defends against Becky Lynch
  • WWE United States title: Sami Zayn defends against Trick Williams
  • Unsanctioned: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi