Tag: drew mcintyre

Date & stipulation revealed for Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre WWE title match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

It will be Three Stages of Hell in Berlin.

On Friday’s SmackDown, Drew McIntyre revealed that he had chosen the Three Stages of Hell stipulation for his upcoming WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes, which will take place on the January 9 edition of SmackDown in Berlin. That means the title will be defended in a 2 out of 3 falls match, with each fall being a different stipulation.

The main event segment on Friday’s taped show saw McIntyre come out to pay his fine and apologize to referee Dan Engler for laying him out with a Claymore kick. After his apology, however, McIntyre started to berate the referee, his comments becoming more personal until Rhodes came out to confront him. 

McIntyre shifted his attacks to Rhodes, getting even more personal in an attempt to provoke Rhodes into attacking him, which per the stipulations agreed to, would have seen Rhodes be stripped of the WWE Championship. Rhodes maintainted his composure until McIntyre uttered one last despicable line.

“When I torture you in Berlin, when I send you straight to hell…say hi to your dad for me,” McIntyre said.

Nick Aldis attempted to hold Rhodes back, but when Rhodes freed himself McIntyre took him out with a Claymore kick. The show ended with McIntyre holding the WWE Championship over a fallen Rhodes.

WWE SmackDown in Berlin (January 9)

  • Three Stages of Hell match for WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defends against Drew McIntyre

WWE SmackDown live results: Drew McIntyre returns

Posted on by Marc Quill

On the final SmackDown of 2025 — and the final two-hour edition before a return to three hours starting next week — Drew McIntyre makes his return to SmackDown to address being granted another WWE Championship shot against Cody Rhodes. We’ll find out more information about that upcoming title bout tonight.

Joe Hendry makes his official SmackDown debut tonight when he faces The Miz in one-on-one action. Miz took exception to Hendry and R-Truth attacking him at Saturday Night’s Main Event and is looking to spoil the debut of Hendry.

The United States Championship open challenge continues on as Ilja Dragunov is set to take on a mystery foe after he and Carmelo Hayes dispatched #DIY in short order last week.

Tonight’s show was taped last Friday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Full spoilers can be found here.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Previously on SmackDown: Cody Rhodes addressed the Drew McIntyre situation and declared himself “the law”, much to the chagrin of Nick Aldis.

– Following that, we saw Rhodes being confronted by Nick Aldis, who reminded him if McIntyre issued the apology to referee Dan Engler and paid the fine, Rhodes cannot touch him or he’d be stripped of his Undisputed WWE Title. After Rhodes left, The Miz angrily demanded that Joe Hendry’s music not be played. However, just as Aldis said his name, the ever-infectious music of Mr. Hendry hit and we cut to the ring.

Joe Hendry arrives on SmackDown

In the ring, Hendry was with people dressed as Santa (which included Alpha Academy’s Akira Tozawa and Otis) and the Easter Bunny. Hendry then proceeded to sing a song about how Miz supposedly has “tiny balls” in the style of Jingle Bells. The Miz himself interrupted in anger as he marched down to the ring. Hendry said that he knows the reason why Miz was upset, it was because he wasn’t here to sing the song with everyone. Hendry then continued his song as Miz raised his hand to shut everyone up.

Miz said that he was chasing a legacy earned with pain, while Hendry was chasing choruses. And now with John Cena retired, Miz claimed he earned the right to be the locker room leader to lead WWE in the future. Miz then challenged Hendry to a match right now. GM Aldis interjected and said that this Miz vs. Hendry match would be a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.

This segment was a decent primer on who Joe Hendry is, but not sure if I approve of the whole “tiny balls Miz” bit continuing to be a thing. Honestly, just not my kind of humor.

**********

Miracle on 34th Street Fight: Joe Hendry vs. The Miz

The ringside area was surrouned by Christmas-themed decorations, as well as Santa Otis, Tozawa, and the Easter Bunny.

As the bell rang, Hendry went for a side headlock takeover and escaped a hold by Miz. In response, Miz kicked Hendry in the gut, but got dropped by a shoulder block. Hendry lifted Miz for a long stalling suplex, which sent his opponent rolling out of the ring. As Hendry headed out of the ring, he opened a gift and found a guitar inside it. Meanwhile, Miz pulled out a ukelele, and then a pair of small ornaments — because he supposedly has tiny balls, you see.

Hendry hip tosssed Miz into a Christmas tree as he pulled out the Slim Jim-branded table from underneath the ring, which then set up inside the ring. Miz snuck up on Hendry and tried for a roll-up pin, to no avail. Skull-Crushing Finale was countered by Hendry, who then attempted a Standing Ovation on his opponent. Miz managed to escape that move. An incensed Miz began to elbow drop a gift thrown in the ring by the Easter Bunny as we took a break in the action.

The match returned from commercial as Hendry and Miz willed themselves to get back on their feet. Hendry was first as he nailed a clothesline on the Miz before he requested Santa Otis and Tozawa to hand him the Christmas tree from ringside. With tree in hand, Hendry struck Miz as he then delivered a fallaway slam on him. Hendry then took the tree and did a fallaway slam on it that sent the tree towards Miz.

Hendry got himself hyped as he went for another Standing Ovation, Miz countered and escaped the ring as he kicked Tozawa. He took a candy cane kendo stick and struck the Easter Bunny with it before Santa Otis blocked the shot from the weapon. This opened Miz up for a kendo stick strike from Hendry. Santa Otis, Tozawa and the Easter Bunny entered the ring with Hendry as they surrounded Miz. Hendry delivered another fallaway slam as Santa Otis then hit a very festive Caterpillar on Miz. Tozawa hit the senton from the top rope on Miz following that. The Easter Bunny then unmasked to reveal it was R-Truth underneath all along. “Happy Easter!” shouted Truth as he did the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Hendry hit Miz from behind with the guitar as he then hit Standing Ovation through the table for the victory in this match.

Joe Hendry def. The Miz via pinfall

Just a fun little match, and a perfect way to integrate Hendry into the SmackDown roster. These holiday-themed street fights are always entertaining.

**********

– Backstage, Carmelo Hayes was talking with Fraxiom before Ilja Dragunov interrupted and asked to speak with Hayes. Dragunov said that he enjoyed teaming up against #DIY with Hayes last week, but it eats him alive that his U.S. Title match against Hayes went the way it did a few weeks back. Dragunov said that the Open Challenge was closed because it’d be him against Hayes for the U.S. Championship. Hayes shook Dragunov’s hand as the match was set for tonight.

– Drew McIntyre was shown arriving and immediately asked about what stipulation he’d choose for his match against Cody Rhodes. McIntyre said he was tired from the flight for Scotland, but he promised that tonight, we’d have all the answers as it related for this match.

– We got another promo from Aleister Black as he talked about a talented man named Damian Priest, as he and Zelina discussed that they were there to remind him about what he buried, and that they made him supposedly honest. Black said that this would end when he says it ends, and that he would end what he created. We learned that these two would face off on next week’s SmackDown.

– Byron Saxton interviewed WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill about her fight with Michin, as she challenged her to a fight. Elsewhere, Michin & B-Fab discussed how things would get bad real quick because of the current situation. Michin said that nobody respected Cargill in the locker room and that she needed to be humbled. And that lesson in humbling would come next week, according to Michin.

Lash Legend (w/ Nia Jax) vs. Charlotte Flair (w/ Alexa Bliss)

Flair sized up her massive foe as the bell rang before the two got into a test of strength. Legend showed her strength as she had the advantage on Flair early on. Legend dropped Flair with a scoop slam as she got chopped in the chest in response. Legend fought back with a hard clothesline that left Flair reeling as she then slammed her opponent’s face on three separate turnbuckles. Flair avoided calamity in the corner, but could not avoid the big roaring uppercut by Legend for the near-fall.

Legend missed with a running boot in the corner and got kicked on the side of her head by Flair. However, she slowed down her foe with a pop-up powerbomb as we took a break in the action.

SmackDown continued from the break with Legend hoisting Flair and repeateadly dropping her up and down across the middle and bottom ropes before she hit a scoop slam. Legend then applied a resthold on Flair that was promptly broken out of. Flair showed some fire with a rally of strikes, followed by her signature turnbuckle dodge and a big boot to Legend. Flair headed up top and connected with the crossbody, which fired her up.

Flair chopped away at Legend as only she could as she tried for her somersault clothesline. Legend countered that with a hard big boot for a cover that Flair kicked out of. Legend lifted Flair up for a powerbomb, but got turned into a sunset flip pin for a two-count of her own. Legend attempted the Lash Extension, but Flair reversed it into a DDT instead. Flair climbed to the top rope and connected with a moonsault for another near-fall.

Flair targeted Legend’s leg as Nia Jax got on the apron to cause a successful distraction. Outside the ring, Alexa Bliss attacked Jax for a bit. Back in the ring, Flair got the victory with a quick roll-up pin from the corner.

Charlotte Flair def. Nia Jax via pinfall

A good little match and Legend did manage to keep pace with a veteran like Flair. 2025 has been a fantastic revitalization for Charlotte Flair, which is nice to see. This run with Bliss has been one of the few highlights in WWE in an otherwise dull year.

**********

– In Nick Aldis’s office, Trick Williams from NXT was here to meet with Aldis, stating that he was expecting a huge offer from Raw to sign with them, so he wanted Aldis to hurry up on a deal of his own. Cody Rhodes appeared and had a brief staredown with Williams, who left. Rhodes asked if Drew McIntyre has apologized to Dan Engler and paid the fine yet. Aldis said that Rhodes needed to control his emotions. Williams returned and said he wasn’t done and told Rhodes to hold onto that Undisputed WWE Title real tight.

– Solo Sikoa and the M.F.T.s addressed the Wyatt Sicks, stating that his group doesn’t run from fear, they crave fear. Sikoa said that the fireflies were fading away and concluded by again mockingly singing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”.’

United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes

The match started fast with both Dragunov and Hayes striking one another as things turned into hard-hitting violence right away. Dragunov hit Hayes with repeated knee strikes as he then stunned him with an enzuigiri. The U.S. Champion then connected with his German Suplexes on Hayes, that the challenger valiantly tried to escape. On the third attempt, Hayes tried to escape, but got battered by hard elbows to the back of the head from Dragunov.

Dragunov threw Hayes overhead with a modified back suplex, as he then hit him hard with a chop. In the corner, a big boot from Dragunov sent Hayes crashing into the floor as we took a break in the action.

As this U.S. Title match resumed from commercial, Dragunov still had the momentum with strikes in the corner on Hayes, who was barely surviving the onslaught. Hayes blocked a big boot from Dragunov and hit him with a slap across the face. Hayes was on the offensive as he hit a hard clothesline on the U.S. Champion. Hayes ducked a strike from Dragunov and leapt from the second rope for a springboard clothesline. Dragunov blocked an attempted hurricanrana from Hayes and then hit him with a running knee to the face. Dragunov headed up to the top rope and missed with the senton as Hayes dodged at the last second. This allowed Hayes to hit his own version of La Mistica for the near-fall.

Hayes kicked at Dragunov’s head repeatedly as he then chopped away at his chest. Dragunov beckoned him to hit harder as he then responded with a strike. Dragunov teed up Hayes for the H-Bomb, but was met by a kick instead. Hayes leapt again from the second rope and hit an incredible look-from behind DDT on the U.S. Champion. That, however, was still not enough to clinch the victory. Hayes headed up top and looked like he was going to go for Nothin’ But Net, but Dragunov caught him. Constantine Special from Dragunov managed to hit its target successfully as he had equal success on the senton. One, two… Hayes just kicked out at two! We took another break in the action in this fantastic match.

As we returned to the action, both Hayes and Dragunov were struggling to get themselves back up, but the champion was up first as he exposed his left knee. He demanded Hayes to get back up and fight, to which the challenger obliged with a superkick. Dragunov caught Hayes’ attempt at First 48 and placed him on the top turnbuckle. Dragunov was met with a punch and headbutt from Hayes that sent him down on the mat. Hayes again went for Nothin’ But Net, but he was intercepted by a kick from Dragunov. The champion fought with his challenger on the apron and lifted him up for a superplex.

Hayes blocked the H-Bomb with a knee, but got rocked by a big boot stomp. Standing uranage from Dragunov, but that was somehow not enough as Hayes kicked out at two. In the corner again, Hayes and Dragunov dueled on the top turnbuckle. Dragunov looked like he had a superplex all set, but Hayes countered it into a cutter! One, two… Dragunov kicked out at 2.9999999!!!!!!! On the apron, Dragunov lifted Hayes on his shoulders, but couldn’t capitalize on whatever move he was going to hit. The two men battered one another until Dragunov got the best of him and hit a Death Valley Driver on the hardest part of the ring.

Dragunov headed for the top rope and appeared to have Hayes right where he wanted him lying on against the bottom corner. Coast-to-Coast…. NO! Hayes intercepted with a First 48 on the U.S. Champion as he headed up top right away and connected with Nothin’ But Net. One… two… THREE! Ladies and gentlemen,. we have a new U.S. Champion.

After the match, Dragunov took the U.S. Championship belt and respectfully crowned Hayes as our new U.S. Champion.

Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov to win the United States Championship

An incredible match from start to finish, and could be in conversation for best WWE weekly TV match of the year. As far as a finale for Dragunov’s fantastic run as United States Championship, this was as good as ending as you could hope for. The way that Dragunov and Hayes had the crowd invested in this battle was just excellent. I critique a lot of what goes on every Friday on SmackDown, but the U.S. Title scene has remained one of the consistent highlights of the blue show ever since Sami Zayn won the title back in September. I’m optimistic that the trend will continue with Carmelo Hayes as champion.

**********

– Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss talked strategy about regaining their WWE Women’s Tag Titles back while we saw Nick Aldis talking with Dan Engler in the background. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY appeared and talked about how they’d become the next WWE Women’s Tag Champions. Just then, Lash Legend and Nia Jax, as well as the Kabuki Warriors confronted both teams as we got a yelling contest between everyone. Aldis then announced that we’d see an eight-woman tag match between everyone present in this altercation on the first SmackDown of 2026.

– Carmelo Hayes was interviewed about his U.S. Title victory. He talked about how the jerseys were going up the rafters and he was ready to elevate his game before Johnny Gargano ambushed him from behind and declared that Hayes ruined everything. Gargano declared that he’d take the U.S. Champioship.

Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre vs. Giulia & Kiana James

Green and James got things going in this tag match with a lock-up in the middle. Green complained that James was pulling her hair as she then attempted a flash roll-up to no avail. James targeted Green’s arm as Giulia made the tag. Green retreated to her corner and tagged Fyre into the match. An angered Giulia yelled at Green to stop hiding as James found herself back in the match.

Fyre attempted a tornado DDT, but James blocked it successfully and attacked Fyre in the corner. On the second go-around, Fyre connected with the springboard-off-the-ropes DDT for a near-fall. Green tagged in and hit James with a sliding clothesline as she applied a resthold on her opponent. Green threw James out and saluted the crowd, which allowed James to enter the ring and tag Giulia into the match. Giulia threw Green across the ring Biel-style before she hit a snap suplex. On the top rope, Giulia dropped Green with a missile dropkick. Fyre got involved and found herself thrown out of the ring by Giulia. This left the Women’s U.S. Champion at the mercy of Giulia’s Northern Lights Bomb for the three.

Giulia & Kiana James def. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre via pinfall

Giulia’s main roster booking confounds me, if we’re being honest. She had a strong run on NXT, but hasn’t been really used to the best of her abilities, and it’s resulted in crowds not really caring about her and her feuds. I hope it’s something that can be rectified in the new year, and it starts by just elevating her into the barebones-as-it-is WWE Women’s Title scene.

**********

– In Nick Aldis’s office, Kit Wilson was discussing his “crusade” against toxic masculinity and wanted an opportunity to continue that. Aldis said that there’d be a new opportunity for Wilson next week on SmackDown. Cody Rhodes entered Aldis’s office and asked Dan Engler if he had been apologized to yet. Engler said no, as Rhodes said it was the end of the night and ready to do something as Drew McIntyre’s theme music hit. Aldis asked for Rhodes to control his emotions as he went to go deal with McIntyre.

– We got a vignette for Oba Femi, presumably heralding his arrival on either Raw or SmackDown.

Next Week on SmackDown (1/2/26)

  • Eight-Woman Tag Match: Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane
  • Jade Cargill vs. Michin
  • Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black

Drew McIntyre’s apology?

Nick Aldis was in the ring with Dan Engler as the two stood in front of Drew McIntyre. Aldis said things were getting way out of hand between McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, but that things really got off the rail when McIntyre attacked Engler. Aldis said that it was McIntyre’s chance to be a man of his word, so that he can finally focus on his title match.

McIntyre said he was indeed a man of his word as he gave Aldis the fine. He then turned his attention to Engler and said he was “genuinely” sorry for hitting a Claymore kick on him. He claims that he should’ve never attacked a WWE official and asked Engler to accept his humble apology. McIntyre continued as he said that he apologized that it was Engler’s dream to become a wrestler and that he wasn’t good enough so he had to be a referee. McIntyre said that he apologized to Engler’s wife Melissa for having to watch him kick her husband in the face and that she supposedly wished that she had a husband like Drew who stood on his convictions. McIntyre railed on as he called Engler a corporate stooge and dared him to hit back.

Cody Rhodes emerged from the ramp and looked like he was going to fight McIntyre, despite Aldis’s protestations. McIntyre tried to goad Rhodes into hitting him so that he could be stripped of the Undisputed WWE Title. McIntyre said that he wished Rhodes’ children and wife could see a real man looks like. McIntyre said that we would see this title match in Germany in a Three Stages of Hell match. Rhodes accepted the challenge as McIntyre said that there was one more thing. When it was time for McIntyre to send Rhodes to hell, to say hi to his dad for him. This allowed McIntyre to hit a sneaky Claymore kick on the champion. McIntyre took the Undisputed WWE Title

**********

I know this Three Stages of Hell match will be good and McIntyre had some good lines in his promo, but I cannot begin to tell you how tired I am of seeing this guy bottling it at every turn and seemingly being stuck in a perpetual cycle of his “Twitter hater” bit and beating up Cody Rhodes, only to get beaten soundly and we do it all over again. I think he deserves better than this and hopefully 2026 is the beginning of getting him away from that road (or Rhodes, if you prefer…)

That said, this episode of SmackDown was mostly enjoyable and hard-carried by that excellent U.S. Title match. I loved Hayes vs. Dragunov quite a bit and it was a fantastic match, as I stated a few paragraphs above. With the third hour of SmackDown coming next week, hopefully everything else is elevated and doesn’t feel like a chore to watch through, despite the length. Will Executive Producer Paul Levesque and company manage that feat? We shall see.

Lastly, on a more positive note, I just want to wrap up by wishing you a Merry Christmas on behalf of myself, Steve Khan, Jeff Moss, Corey Michaels, Ryan Howard, and everyone here at WON/F4W. Thank you for your continued support this year. Stay frosty, everyone.

Wrestling Weekly: Cena’s last match, a Drew McIntyre problem, Continental Classic chaos

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

Les Thatcher and Victor Sosa are back on Wrestling Weekly to talk about the finish to John Cena’s last match and some of the reactions that finish received over the last several days.

The guys also discuss Drew McIntyre seemingly running in place all over again, MJF’s return being expected but what he was returning for being quite unexpected, and a couple of tales from the territories.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: John Cena, Gunther, Drew McIntyre

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

–We’ve got a giant new issue of the Observer out today covering the Cena and Santo retirements as well as all the big events from the past week.
*John Cena and El Hijo del  Santo’s retirement shows and how they are so different
*A look back at both’s careers and places in history
*Where Santo went wrong
*Key people who  saved John Cena’s career
*Why he never turned heel years ago
*Marketing of Cena as The GOAT
*How Cena ranks with the biggest draws in wrestling history
*Update on WBD’s potential sales to Netflix or Paramount, what the deals entail and how this  all affects AEW
*Dwayne Johnson and his Golden Globe nomination
*Odds for upcoming pro wrestling bouts
*1,000,000th fan attends CMLL pro wrestling at Arena Mexico alone.  Why this has never happened before, and the absolutely staggering part of the story that nobody talks about
*UFC 323 coverage of the last UFC show on PPV for at least seven years
*A look at NXT Deadline
*A look at ROH Final Battle
* a look at TNA Final Resolution
*A look at the career of Steve “Mr. Electricity” Regal, death of territories,  the shocking win over the Road Warriors and holding world titles in the AWA and NWA in the 80s.
*The most detailed look at the ratings for all the TV shows over this past week
*A look at major promotions joining together for different shows in 2026
*A look at last week’s big shows at Arena Mexico, both a hell of a Friday and a big Tuesday with Bad Bunny under a Mistico mask in the front row
*Key CMLL talent banged up
*All Japan tag team tournament ends with a former rugby star from New Zealand and former member of the Harlem Globetrotters against each other.
*NOAH’s big start of the year show
*New wrestler starting at NOAH including the brother of a UFC fighter
*New Japan tag team tournament final standings and results
*Big awards being announced this week
*Actress who played Hall of Fame pro wrestler on a Netflix series wins major award for her performance
*Where did the original star ratings in Mexico rating matcheds come from
*Hulk Hogan album being re-released
*Notes on AEW Worlds End
*Andrade makes claims about what happened with AEW and WWE
*Advance ticket sales for all the AEW and WWE upcoming shows
*Lots more on Trump UFC event at the White House
*UFC schedule
*More on the Ali Act and attempting to change and subvert it
*Dana White talks Francis Ngannou now that he wants to return
*The most interest in buying tickets to a pro wrestling or UFC show in history took place this past week
*Lots more on the two lawsuits going against Vince McMahon and WWE
*The WWE TV schedule for this coming week
*Big PPV main event match that fell through from earlier this year

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Tuesday Update

Cody Rhodes reacts to John Cena's final match

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

Cody Rhodes attacks Drew McIntyre at his home in WWE social media angle

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The Cody Rhodes/Drew McIntyre feud took another turn in a video that aired on social media.

Shortly before Raw went on the air Monday, WWE uploaded a confrontation that took place between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. It took place shortly after a meeting between McIntyre and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis where McIntyre agreed to return from his suspension as long as he gets to name the stipulation for his and Rhodes’ future WWE Championship match.

The video started with Aldis meeting McIntyre, telling him that despite what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event, everyone wanted him reinstated. Aldis’ proposal was this: he would give McIntyre a future WWE Championship match against Rhodes. However, the terms would also require McIntyre to be fined and would also have to apologize to referee Dan Engler, who McIntyre attacked prior to getting suspended. 

McIntyre initially refused the terms, saying this is what Rhodes and Aldis wanted and complained about SmackDown being an unsafe working environment. After Aldis asked what he wanted, McIntyre said he wanted to pick the stipulation and also added that Rhodes can’t lay a finger on him prior to the match or else he would be stripped of the title. Aldis and McIntyre agreed to the deal under those terms.

Suddenly, McIntyre looked at his phone and saw security footage of Rhodes near his house, with guards blocking his path. Aldis went to argue with Rhodes who suddenly lunged at McIntyre and the two brawled. Rhodes threw one of the security members into a nearby pond and McIntyre threw Rhodes into one of his Christmas decorations.

“Merry Christmas, a******!” Rhodes screamed as the segment ended.

Drew McIntyre on John Cena’s final matches: ‘I’m sad I didn’t get one of them’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Drew McIntyre wishes he would have had a singles match against John Cena, but is grateful for the chance to learn from him.

McIntyre and Cena have never had a singles match against one another, although they have shared the ring for tag and multi-person matches.

During a recent interview with The Stunner, McIntyre spoke about Cena’s legacy in the wrestling industry.

“He’s meant everything to our industry,” McIntyre said. “When The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin left WWE, [with] the top superstars Triple H, Shawn Michaels at the end of their career, the company and the world needed somebody to step up into that top position. John stepped up in a massive way for multiple generations.“

“It’s insane to see that he’s about to have his last couple of matches. I’m sad I didn’t get one of them, but I’m glad I’m part of the roster. I’m glad I got to travel the world, I’m glad I got to learn from John Cena because he is a legend and he might just be the GOAT.”

McIntyre and Cena have shared the ring for tag matches, and multi-person matches, including three times in 2025 at the Elimination Chamber, Royal Rumble, and when Cena and Cody Rhodes defeated McIntyre and Logan Paul on the August 8 SmackDown.

In 2010, Rhodes and McIntyre dropped the WWE Tag Team Championships to Cena and David Otunga at Bragging Rights.

Both McIntyre and Cena will be in action on tonight’s Survivor Series card, with McIntyre wrestling in the men’s WarGames match and John Cena defending his Intercontinental title against Dominik Mysterio on the show.

McIntyre’s full interview with The Stunner is available here.

Drew McIntyre reveals real reason for joining WarGames team at WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Drew McIntyre has opened up in detail about his decision to join the WarGames team at WWE Survivor Series 2025.

In less than two days, fans are set to witness WWE Survivor Series: WarGames take place at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Two of the four matches confirmed for the show are the men’s and women’s WarGames matches. In a social media update, Drew McIntyre revealed the real reason he chose to join the men’s WarGames team alongside Brock Lesnar, The Vision, and Logan Paul.

“I’m thankful that I get to acknowledge Roman Reigns with my boot in his face,” McIntyre said. “Thankful I get to beat on those stupid twins that have been like hyenas in my life for the past few years, and thankful that Cody will have nowhere to run. No referees he can pressure to screw me out of the title. No politics or machine that can protect him, that can suspend me, Aldis and Pearce. There’s nothing he can do, he’s literally in a Cage, I’m gonna beat him up, that’s gonna be fun.”

He further added, “You know what the cherry is, the cherry on top? CM Punk. I get to take him to hell once again. It actually feels like Christmas over Thanksgiving.”

The Scottish Warrior further explained that he would rather be on the same team as Brock Lesnar than against it. “Heyman, I sent him and Brock out of WWE at one point. Brock, I’d rather be on the same team with than against, and Heyman; he got me back in. He figured out the loophole, that’s what he does, and the thing about a dishonest man is you can always trust them to be dishonest, it’s the so called honest ones, the ones you fall for all their BS, you’ve got to watch out for.”

The former WWE Champion carries long-standing animosity toward every member of the opposing WarGames team, and it will be interesting to see how things unfold on November 29, 2025.

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 match card

Here is the updated Survivor Series: WarGames match card:

  • Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella – WWE Women’s World Championship
  • John Cena vs. Dominik Mysterio – WWE Intercontinental Championship
  • CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso), and Roman Reigns vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed), Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar – Men’s WarGames
  • Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and AJ Lee vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), and Becky Lynch – Women’s WarGames

WWE SmackDown star suspended in storyline following attack

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Drew McIntyre has apparently gone too far.

The end of Friday’s SmackDown had Cody Rhodes wrestling Aleister Black in the main event. Towards the end of the match, McIntyre resurfaced and laid out Cody with the claymore kick. It soon turned into a two-on-one assault until Damian Priest ran down to the ring to even the odds. Nick Aldis came out among the chaos and declared he had it with McIntyre, suspending him effective immediately.

SmackDown closed with McIntyre arguing with Aldis, repeatedly stating that his back was against the wall. After the show ended, WWE’s social media posted further footage of McIntyre arguing with Aldis backstage, ultimately being forced to leave the building.

McIntyre likely has sore feelings about last weekend’s edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Cody in a match where the WWE title could change hands via count out or disqualification. McIntyre introduced the WWE title into the match in an attempt to use it, but was unable to. The finish had Cody deciding to use the title to his benefit by planting McIntyre with a DDT on top of the title while the referee was laid out, then finished him off with crossroads for the win.

Prior to their match, McIntyre was set to face Jacob Fatu in a number one contendership match. When Fatu wound up being jumped backstage, Cody blamed McIntyre and offered to put up the WWE title right then and there. However, he lost via disqualification after he struck McIntyre with the title. Last Friday, McIntyre refused to sign their contract for Saturday Night’s Main Event until Cody agreed to the stipulations that benefitted him, with Cody agreeing.

Report: Update on Drew McIntyre’s WWE contract

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

A major update has emerged regarding Drew McIntyre’s WWE contract.

One of the most popular stars on the roster, Drew McIntyre has been highlighted as a main-event star since his return to the promotion a few years ago. After re-signing with WWE last year, a new report from Fightful Select has revealed that The Scottish Warrior is expected to remain with the Stamford-based promotion at least until WrestleMania 2028.

Recently, former WWE writer Vince Russo invited McIntyre to work for JCW (Juggalo Championship Wrestling) when his deal expires. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case for a long time. According to the report, the former World Champion had opened up about how he wanted to work Juggalo Championship Wrestling during his indie days, which never ended up happening.

McIntyre recently fought Cody Rhodes for the World title on the November 1st edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event in a losing cause.

Drew McIntyre wants WWE WrestleMania to take place in Scotland

Recently, in an interview with SportBible, McIntyre opened up about his desire to see Scotland host a future WrestleMania.

It’s something I’ve been wanting to do [return home with the title], I think I started talking about it in 2019, going into the Royal Rumble in 2020 when I won, that I’m going to win the Rumble, win the title, get an open top bus, parade it around the UK as the only ever British champion. I have the chance to get this title, pull off the big one on Saturday. I’ve got to overcome Cody’s politics and influence to make sure I win the big one.”

Then I’ll bring the title home, then we have ourselves a parade and take it to WrestleMania. We’ve got places we can have WrestleMania. We can have it at Murrayfield, and everyone would travel, not just from in the UK. Then we get to check out the lovely scenery. I’d love to actually see some of the scenery. I cannot wait to do media on top of Edinburgh Castle or something. Head to some of the football games, a few Rangers games, we’ll finally be back on form after a disastrous start to the season. I’ll be right there, for one WrestleMania.”

Drew McIntyre addresses possible next WWE WrestleMania location

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Drew McIntyre has pitched a potential next WWE WrestleMania location.

With WrestleMania 42 set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada and WrestleMania 43 scheduled for Saudi Arabia, ex-World Champion Drew McIntyre has opened up on Scotland being an ideal next destination for The Grandest Stage of them all.

Recently speaking to SportBible ahead of his WWE title match against Cody Rhodes, McIntyre discussed the possibility of his home country of Scotland hosting a future WrestleMania PLE. While The Scottish Warrior failed to defeat Rhodes tonight, he had made it clear that returning home as the Undisputed champion was one of his goals. Speaking to SportBible he said, “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do [return home with the title], I think I started talking about it in 2019, going into the Royal Rumble in 2020 when I won, that I’m going to win the Rumble, win the title, get an open top bus, parade it around the UK as the only ever British champion.”

McIntyre further said, “I have the chance to get this title, pull off the big one on Saturday. I’ve got to overcome Cody’s politics and influence to make sure I win the big one.”

“Then I’ll bring the title home, then we have ourselves a parade and take it to WrestleMania. We’ve got places we can have WrestleMania. We can have it at Murrayfield, and everyone would travel, not just from in the UK. Then we get to check out the lovely scenery. I’d love to actually see some of the scenery. I cannot wait to do media on top of Edinburgh Castle or something. Head to some of the football games, a few Rangers games, we’ll finally be back on form after a disastrous start to the season. I’ll be right there, for one WrestleMania.”

McIntyre last wrestled in Scotland at Clash At The Castle 2024, where he lost to Damian Priest. WWE will return there during the Road to the Royal Rumble tour in January, with one date set in Glasgow.

Drew McIntyre opens up about his bar fight team

In in recent interview on No-Contest Wrestling, Drew McIntyre revealed his bar fight team, which included the likes of Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez, and many more.

“Brock Lesnar popped in my head right away. He’s the kinda guy, I’ve been in the ring with certain guys like Big Show, Mark Henry and the likes where they grab you and you’re like, ‘They could do anything with me right now, but if you let me go I’m gonna run away.’ Brock can chase you down and catch you. So let’s go Brock. Cain Velasquez was there for a minute. He’s one of the only few humans that could beat up Brock, so let’s go Velasquez. He was there I remember in Saudi one time, I was chatting with him for a minute.“

Drew McIntyre breaks silence following WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Drew McIntyre has addressed his unfortunate World title loss.

Following Cody Rhodes’ controversial win against McIntyre tonight in Salt Lake City, Utah, The Scottish Warrior shared his frustration on social media.

The 40-year-old uploaded a video of Cody Rhodes’ iconic impression of Ted Dibiase Jr.’s, ‘Where is that referee? He was trying to f**k on me” line.

In the opening match of the November 1st edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to retain his WWE Championship. The final moments of their nearly 19-minute bout saw Rhodes drop McIntyre onto the title to secure the victory while the referee was distracted.

The video uploaded by McIntyre references a story previously shared by The American Nightmare, where he recalled Ted DiBiase Jr.’s backstage frustration with Vince McMahon after one of their “worst matches ever.”

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event results

In a star-studded show tonight, fans witnessed two new champions get crowned, while two others successfully retained their titles. Here are the complete results:

  • Cody Rhodes defeats Drew McIntyre – WWE Championship
  • Jade Cargill defeats Tiffany Stratton – WWE Women’s Championship
  • Dominik Mysterio defeats Rusev & Penta – Intercontinental Championship
  • CM Punk defeats Jey Uso – WWE World Heavyweight Championship

WOL: Are Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens the same character?

Posted on by Jim Valley

Image: WWE

It’s the Saturday edition of Wrestling Observer Live with Jim Valley.

Drew McIntyre stood tall over Cody Rhodes to end their SNME contract signing on Friday’s WWE SmackDown.

The story for tonight is “Drew is in Cody’s head.” Didn’t Kevin Owens play mind games with Cody, too?

KO and Drew are very similar characters: heels who tell the truth and seemingly challenge for the WWE Title at least once a year. Are Drew and Owens pretty much the same character?

Plus, Jim talks the NJPW Super Junior Tag League, CMLL, AEW Collision, WWE Universe vs. The Sickos, Mike Rotunda and more.

Check it out.

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New stipulation added to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event title match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new stipulation has been added for Saturday’s WWE Championship match.

During SmackDown, Drew McIntyre assured Nick Aldis that everything was fine ahead of the Saturday Night’s Main Event contract signing in the main event. However, when the time came to sign, McIntyre refused. He stated that it was lopsided against him, pointing out in their last match that Rhodes was able to walk away with the title after a disqualification. Rhodes said if he wanted the rules changed so he could lose the title via DQ or count out, that was fine. Aldis warned Rhodes against doing this, but Rhodes insisted, wanting the title match to move forward.

After the two traded some more words, Rhodes finished his promo by saying nice guys finished last until he showed up. McIntyre refused to let Rhodes have the last word, bringing up Rhodes’ daughters. That caused Rhodes to go on the attack, aiming to strike McIntyre with the WWE title. McIntyre dodged and exited the ring as Aldis warned Rhodes doing something like that would cost him the title tomorrow. The distraction left an opening long enough for McItnyre to re-enter the ring and lay out Rhodes with the claymore. After a powerbomb through the table, McIntyre told Rhodes he’d be leaving with the title tomorrow.

Several weeks ago, McIntyre was set to wrestle Jacob Fatu in a number one contender’s match when Fatu was seen reeling from a backstage attack. McIntyre denied that he had anything to do with it. Rhodes came out and told McIntyre if he wanted a title match, he would give one to him. The two brawled for a while before the match officially began. However, it soon ended  when Rhodes used the WWE title to attack McIntyre, causing a disqualification.

Saturday Night’s Main Event (November 1)

  • WWE World Heavyweight title: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE Championship, title can change hands by DQ or count out: Cody Rhodes defends against Drew McIntyre
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton defends against Jade Cargill
  • Three-way for WWE Intercontinental title: Dominik Mysterio defends against Penta and Rusev

WWE SmackDown live results: Saturday Night’s Main event contract signing

Posted on by Marc Quill

The final WWE SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event will see WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre interact one final time before their title bout.

Last week, McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso in a no DQ match and then got the upper hand on Rhodes after a post-match altercation. The champion and challenger will have a contract signing tonight as the Scotsman hopes to gain one last bit of momentum ahead of taking on Rhodes.

Jade Cargill will address her actions from last week when she attacked WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton after fending off Giulia and Kiana James. Cargill is challenging Stratton for the title tomorrow night.

Alexa Bliss will face Nia Jax after she took exception to Jax’s insinuation that she’d be disloyal to her WWE Women’s Tag Champion partner Charlotte Flair.

After Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson accused Carmelo Hayes of giving off “toxic masculinity” backstage, Hayes and Wilson will go one-on-one.

Plus, Ilja Dragunov issues a United States Championship open challenge.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.

**********

– Following the WWE signature, we went to shots of Salt Lake City, as well as shots of Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, as well as Jade Cargill (dressed as the Punisher).

– We went to a recap of Jade Cargill’s attack on WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton from last week. Michael Cole and Corey Graves then welcomed us to tonight’s show before Stratton interrupted.

Tiffany Stratton opens SmackDown

Stratton demanded that Jade Cargill come out to fight her now until SmackDown GM Nick Aldis asked that she back down as there was to be no physical contact before tomorrow night.

Cargill appeared as GM Aldis had security come out to prevent physicality. She said that she tasted her own blood last week and it only made her hungry to become the WWE Women’s Champion. Cargill vowed to end “Tappy Time” tomorrow night as Stratton tried to come at her. Security got in the way and prevented any physicality to happen.

Kind of a nothing segment and didn’t really do anything to build towards the Cargill/Stratton title match for tomorrow.

**********

– After receiving Halloween candy from R-Truth dressed as Santa Claus, the Motor City Machine Guns were confronted by Solo Sikoa. This led to a match between the MCMGs and the MFTs made for later tonight.

U.S. Title Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Nathan Frazer

As Fraxiom was entering for the Open Challenge, Tommasso Ciampa stormed past the two and was upset about not getting picked. Dragunov interrupted and told Ciampa that Frazer would get the opportunity as he got him to leave.

Once the match started, Dragunov struck Frazer in the corner but found himself floored by an enzuigiri. Frazer followed that up with a suicide dive on Dragunov. Back in the ring, Frazer used his agility to briefly stymy the U.S. Champion, but a Dragunov chop put a stop to that. We went to commercial after Frazer went face-first onto the commentary table.

We returned from the break with Dragunov connecting with the repeated German suplexes on Frazer. He managed two before Frazer landed on his feet on the third. Frazer leapt off the middle rope with an amazing reverse DDT followed by a shooting star for the near-fall.

Frazer’s kick was blocked by Dragunov, who dropped him with a standing uranage. That wasn’t enough to end this Open Challenge. Dragunov tried to jump at Frazer, but found himself flying over the top rope. A missed senton by Dragunov allowed for Frazer to land a frog splash, but that only got a near-fall as we took a second break in the action.

Action resumed with Dragunov attempting a powerbomb, but Frazer managed to stun him with a kick. On the top rope, Frazer had Dragunov set up for a Frankensteiner. After a struggle, Frazer nailed it as he had Dragunov on the backfoot with a dropkick outside the ring. He then took off from the top with a Phoenix Splash. One, two…. Dragunov barely kicked out!

After he battered Dragunov with punches, Frazer tried to go to the top rope again. The U.S. Champion chopped at Frazer’s knee, which let him connect with a middle rope suplex. Frazer miraculously kicked out at two after that high-risk move. This war of attrition ended with Dragunov finishing Frazer off with a powerbomb, followed by the H-Bomb for the three.

Post-match, after Dragunov showed respect for Frazer’s effort, Tommasso Ciampa attacked the defeated challenger outside the ring. Axiom and Johnny Gargano made their way down to the ring as a brawl erupted between the teams.

Ilja Dragunov def. Nathan Frazer via pinfall to retain the United States Championship

A fantastic Open Challenge match as Frazer got his time to shine and looked incredibly strong in defeat.

*********

– Backstage, as Fraxiom and #DIY were brawling, Dragunov was confronted by Tama Tonga, who did his signature “yeah yeah yeah” taunt while he had the U.S. Title in hand.

Kit Wilson vs. Carmelo Hayes

Wilson got the advantage early with a flying elbow to Hayes, as he pulled at his head and then stomped on the back of the head. Wilson hit a swingng DDT.

Hayes fought back with a chop followed by a hurricanrana. Wilson retreated from the ring, but got dropped by a vaulting press from Hayes. Outside the ring, The Miz threw Hayes into the ringpost with the ref distracted. This allowed Wilson a temporary advantage, but Hayes won out with the First 48.

Post-match, The Miz snuck up on Hayes and delivered a Skull-Crushing Finale.

Carmelo Hayes def. Kit Wilson via pinfall

Nothing really to write home about in terms of a match, and this Miz/Hayes feud is alright, I suppose.

**********

– Sami Zayn asked to have the Motor City Machine Guns’ back, but Nick Aldis told him to stand down. Cody Rhodes showed up and had some friendly words with Zayn before Mr. Aldis asked Rhodes bluntly if he had something to do with the attack on Jacob Fatu two weeks ago. Rhodes denied it, and was then asked by Aldis if he read the contract for the Saturday Night’s Main Event match.

Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss

Jax took a cheap shot at Bliss while she was conversing with Flair to start off the match. Jax crushed Bliss in the corner as she held the upper hand to start off here. Jax missed on an elbow, which gave Bliss an openingS

Bliss got caught and thrown into the ringpost by Jax. A missed running hip charge across the apron caused Jax to crash into the ringpost. However, outside the ring, Jax took control once again by tossing Bliss into the barricade. This took us into commercial.

The match continued from the break as Bliss dodged a running hip strike in the corner. Bliss chopped away at Jax’s leg and kept her grounded with a kick to the head. Jax ran into the steel post again, which stunned her. Bliss headed up to the top rope, but was caught for the Samoan Drop by Jax for the near-fall.

Bliss was dragged into the corner as she was in the drop zone for the Annihilator, but Charlotte Flair got on the apron and created a distraction, this let Bliss drop Jax with a kick and pick up the win.

Alexa Bliss def. Nia Jax via pinfall

Just a standard underdog vs. giant match as Bliss got the win with the help of her tag partner.

**********

– Rey Fenix challenged Solo Sikoa to a match. Instead, Sikoa offered Talla Tonga to face him next week instead. Fenix slapped Talla in the face afterwards.

– The WrestleMania 42 teaser was shown.

– Damian Priest said that Aleister Black will feel his punishment soon enough.

Saturday Night’s Main Event Card:

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta vs. Rusev
  • World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill

The M.F.T.s (JC Mateo & Tama Tonga) (w/ Talla Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Solo Sikoa) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)

The Machine Guns had the upper hand early with a double team assault that kept Mateo and Tama on their toes heading into the commercial break.

We returned from the break as Tama held Shelley in a resthold as the MFTs held the advantage now. Shelley escaped with a Flatliner to the middle turnbuckle to Mateo, which allowed him to tag Sabin in.

Sabin was a force as he held his own against Mateo and Tonga. Shelley had the clear for the suicide dive. A Solo Sikoa distraction allowed Tanga Loa to dump Shelley from the top rope, followed by the not-so-hidden blade of Tama Tonga’s Cutthroat for the MFT victory.

Sikoa had the MFTs attack the Machine Guns after the match, as Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura tried to make the save, but fell victim to the MFTs’ numbers game.

The MFTs def. Motor City Machine Guns via pinfall

Standard tag match followed by a standard beatdown by the “Bloodline with a new hat” afterwards. Not much home to write about.

*********

Next Week on SmackDown

  • Talla Tonga vs. Rey Fenix
  • Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Title Open Challenge
  • Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax

Cody Rhodes/Drew McIntyre contract signing

Nick Aldis introduced Rhodes first to the ring. Once Rhodes entered, he took the microphone as he wished Salt Lake City a Happy Halloween. Aldis then introduced Rhodes’ Saturday Night’s Main Event opponent, Drew McIntyre. Once both men were in the ring, Mr. Aldis asked them to sign the contract.

McIntyre refused to do so, while Rhodes did so without question. The Scotsman said he would not sign such a “lopsided” contract as he complained that if he were to be disqualified or counted out, Rhodes would keep the title.

Aldis stated that he had enough of McIntyre’s whining as there were many others in the back that would gladly do it. As McIntyre walked out, Rhodes called him out and said that maybe McIntyre wants it where if he were to be counted out or disqualified, the title will change hands.

Despite Aldis’ protestations, he agreed the new terms. McIntyre again boasted about how he was the “real” American Dream as opposed to Rhodes. The Undisputed WWE Champion admitted that McIntyre may have created the blueprint that many followed. Rhodes said where he and McIntyre differ was when he was fed up with WWE, while Drew got fired. “Nice guys used to finish last, ‘til I showed up,” said Rhodes.

McIntyre again whined and riled up Rhodes by invoking his daughter’s name. In the chaos, Rhodes was again blasted by a Claymore from the Scotsman. McIntyre then powerbombed him through the table. McIntyre talked trash some more as the Levesque & Fitting producer credits ended the night.

*********

A fine enough contract segment to end a rathee weak SNME go-home show. McIntyre standing tall does not bode well for his chances of winning.

The rest of the show was just there, but seek out the Dragunov vs. Axiom Open Challenge match. That was my highlight of the night.

Drew McIntyre reveals his bar fight team

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Drew McIntyre has revealed his star-studded bar fight team.

One of the hardest-hitting strikers in the industry, McIntyre recently appeared in an interview on No-Contest Wrestling where he revealed his dream bar-fight team. Mentioning former UFC stars Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez, McIntyre also surprisingly added Hornswoggle into the mix.

Brock Lesnar popped in my head right away. He’s the kinda guy, I’ve been in the ring with certain guys like Big Show, Mark Henry and the likes where they grab you and you’re like, ‘They could do anything with me right now, but if you let me go I’m gonna run away.’ Brock can chase you down and catch you.

He further said,

So let’s go Brock. Cain Velasquez was there for a minute. He’s one of the only few humans that could beat up Brock, so let’s go Velasquez. He was there I remember in Saudi one time, I was chatting with him for a minute.

Haku. It’s almost like a given, but the funny thing is, if you get to know him, you get to meet him, he’s the nicest guy in the world. It’s always the nicest guys. Like me, I’m the nicest guy in the world, and I always come up in these conversations as one of the tough guys backstage, because it’s the nice guys you’ve gotta watch out for.

So we’ve got Brock, Velasquez, Haku, do we need someone to sacrifice? Hornswoggle! That would make some of the boys happy because he drove some of the boys mental. I always got on great with him, but he drove some of the boys mental and they would end up kicking his a**, and you know what, it was totally justified them kicking his a**. So we’ll sacrifice Swoggle while the rest of us beat everyone else’s ass, because who’s beating that team?

Further in the interview, McIntyre also opened up about joining NJPW in 2017 prior to his WWE return.

Drew McIntyre almost joined NJPW before WWE return

A part of the WWE roster since 2007, McIntyre parted ways with it in 2014, before making his shocking return in 2017. Soon enough, the Scottish Warrior transitioned into one of the most popular names on the roster. Boasting impeccable in-ring and mic skills, McIntyre recently revealed how he had almost joined NJPW before his WWE return.

Then in 2017, before I returned to WWE, I was ready to go to New Japan at that point, that’s where my head was at. I spoke to the right people to start having serious conversations, and Regal told me, you gotta talk to Hunter first, gotta talk to Paul first. And one minute into that conversation, I knew it was time to come back.