Drew McIntyre's frustration is palpable as he gears up for WWE's WrestleMania 41, where he finds himself conspicuously absent from the title matches. This year's event will showcase Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against the ever-popular John Cena and Gunther, the World Heavyweight Champion, facing off against Jey Uso.
For McIntyre, however, the path to WrestleMania appears less illuminated, as he is reportedly set to clash with Damian Priest—though details of the match remain unofficial. This predicament is undoubtedly perplexing for a wrestler who had a spectacular 2024 after reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship from Seth Rollins, albeit momentarily. Just minutes after winning the title, Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, an event that has haunted McIntyre since last year's WrestleMania.
Discussing his current booking situation during an interview with The Daily Star, McIntyre did not hide his discontent. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t p****d off at not being in one of the title matches after the 2024 I had,” he revealed, underlining the fierce competitiveness that drives him as a performer and suggesting that his current match with Priest might be perceived as underwhelming.
Fans have voiced their disappointment regarding McIntyre's absence from the WrestleMania main stage. Despite some making disparaging remarks about his upcoming bout with Priest—seen by many as a “nothing match”—McIntyre remains hopeful. “I appreciated when the fans’ reaction was, ‘oh my goodness, it’s Priest and Drew, there’s nothing there.’ I’m like bloody hell, give us a chance to tell the story,” he said, emphasizing the developmental aspect of wrestling narratives.
The history between McIntyre and Priest stretches back to WrestleMania 40 when Priest opportunistically seized the title after McIntyre was assaulted by CM Punk. McIntyre's discomfort with not being in the world title mix comes amidst reports suggesting WWE has been re-evaluating his WrestleMania plans due to fan backlash. Although the potential change in direction seems unlikely, McIntyre is adamant that the storyline with Priest should not be overlooked.
As WrestleMania approaches, McIntyre remains introspective about his journey. “We’ve still got six weeks until Mania and anything can change in that time,” he commented, leaving the door open for potential changes in his creative direction. He acknowledges the unpredictability of wrestling bookings but expresses his passionate desire to return to the main event spotlight.
In recent weeks, McIntyre has intensified his efforts to build the rivalry with Priest, making headlines with provocative remarks aimed at his opponent. “He doesn’t know how to succeed unless it is at my expense. Elimination Chamber—I Claymore Cena. Instead of going, ‘I’ll let Drew pin Cena first,’ he eliminates me. It’s the only way he knows how to succeed because he is a vulture,” he said, vividly depicting his disdain for Priest's methods.
This confrontation unfolds amid a wrestling landscape bustling with talent and intricate storylines. Critics of McIntyre’s booking argue he’ has earned a more prominent spot, especially post-2024, a year where he achieved key victories but now finds himself sidelined as a potential WrestleMania 41 contender.
Despite his frustrations, McIntyre urges fans to give the upcoming match a shot, insisting that there is depth to their storyline that is yet to be revealed. The narrative arc is still in development, and he hopes audiences will connect with it as WrestleMania unfolds.
Though McIntyre’s current booking remains a point of contention, the professional wrestler is adamant that he will continue to work diligently both in and out of the ring. With his clear frustrations and commitment to his craft, McIntyre aims to ensure that this rivalry culminates in a fierce and compelling matchup.
The buildup to WrestleMania 41 promises to be electric as McIntyre and Priest prepare to settle their score, whether amidst fan excitement or skepticism. As the WWE gears up for one of its pinnacle events, McIntyre’s journey reflects both the trials and triumphs of a wrestler in pursuit of glory on the grand stage.
