Drew McIntyre is set to return to the ring at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he’ll face Randy Orton. This comes just over a month after McIntyre’s defeat to Damian Priest in a steel cage match. McIntyre recently stirred the pot by interrupting a segment between Orton and Cody Rhodes, questioning what had happened to the once-dominant “Legend Killer.” Orton had lost to Rhodes in a match that would have put him in contention for the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena at SummerSlam, leading McIntyre to probe whether Orton had lost his edge.
During their last confrontation, Orton managed to get the last word, culminating in an upcoming match with McIntyre. McIntyre stated that despite his outspoken comments, he isn’t a “bad guy” or a “heel” but merely honest in a business environment that often mischaracterizes sincerity as antagonism. He criticized Rhodes for exploiting Orton’s vulnerable back during their match and implied that Orton’s failure to capitalize on revenge against Rhodes contributed to his loss. McIntyre’s remarks not only set the stage for their showdown but also painted Orton’s recent performances as lackluster and hesitant.
McIntyre revealed that his prodding of Orton was a strategic move to secure their match. Echoing John Cena’s ethos, he asserted that he doesn’t want to take shortcuts or engage in disingenuous tactics to earn a title shot. When asked about whom he aspires to face for the championship, he unambiguously targeted Cody Rhodes, expressing his disdain for the current version of Cena. McIntyre articulated his desire to face the “real” John Cena, rather than the watered-down persona he perceives today and declared that he would prefer for Rhodes to win the title at SummerSlam.
Expressing his frustration with the current state of storytelling in WWE, McIntyre criticized the trend of cheap finishes that ultimately disappoint fans. He believes a genuine matchup against a still-competitive John Cena would resonate better with audiences than what he considers gimmicky endings. Notably, McIntyre emphasized his desire for both his own career and those of others, particularly Rhodes, to reflect evolution rather than stagnation, hence his enthusiasm for a potential match against Rhodes.
In detailing his parallel career journey with Cody Rhodes, McIntyre reflected on their struggles within WWE. He noted that both wrestlers had to leave WWE to discover their true selves and return as more refined versions of themselves. He articulated a belief that they share a unique narrative, which culminates in a compelling future matchup. McIntyre stressed that this is a matchup fans would be eager to see, centering on their mutual growth and evolution within the wrestling industry.
The anticipation around McIntyre’s return reflects not just his own perseverance but also the complex dynamics at play in WWE storylines. His comments reveal an intense desire to reclaim the spotlight while challenging others to rise to his level. The potential encounter with Rhodes serves as not only a personal clash but also a representation of broader themes of growth, ambition, and the quest for authenticity in a world often crowded with caricatures. In a landscape where storytelling matters significantly, McIntyre’s words encapsulate the weight his match against Orton—and potentially, Rhodes—will hold.
