In a shocking turn of events that absolutely no one saw coming (except literally everyone), Drew McIntyre has officially jumped ship to WWE SmackDown. The big announcement came via a video on WWE’s X account—because nothing says huge career move like a social media clip.
McIntyre, standing next to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, inked his contract with the blue brand, making it clear that he wasn’t here for the “pomp and circumstance” of a big celebration. “I don’t need the in-ring celebration. I don’t need stupid fireworks going off for five minutes,” McIntyre declared. Yes, folks, this man just turned down free pyro. Absolutely diabolical.
Instead, all McIntyre asked for was “an opportunity without any BS.” So naturally, Aldis gave him exactly that—by throwing him straight into a triple threat Elimination Chamber qualifier against LA Knight and Jimmy Uso. Because what’s a better welcome gift than immediate violence?
McIntyre vs. The Clock (and LA Knight, and Jimmy Uso)
McIntyre’s addition to SmackDown comes with a bit of backstage drama (because of course it does). Reports suggest he was less than pleased with LA Knight during the Royal Rumble due to some timing issues that made his elimination by Damian Priest fashionably late. Apparently, McIntyre stormed out of the arena after the Rumble, skipping Raw entirely. WWE, sensing the overwhelming online support for the Scotsman (shoutout to #WeWantDrew trending), decided the best way to keep him happy was to hand him a fresh start—on a different show, with new people to be mad at.
With Priest also making the switch to SmackDown, there’s a good chance these two will cross paths again, possibly at WrestleMania. Nothing like a slow-burning grudge to spice up the Road to WrestleMania, am I right?
One thing’s for sure: Drew McIntyre is back, and he’s bringing his signature blend of brutality, no-nonsense attitude, and an outright refusal to enjoy fireworks. Strap in, SmackDown, because the Scottish Psychopath is not in the mood.