Drew McIntyre Opens Up After WWE Hiatus
A Brutal Exit, A Well‑Played Hiatus
Drew McIntyre, known for his intense in-ring style, hadn’t appeared on WWE television since May 24’s Steel Cage bout on Saturday Night’s Main Event. In that match, he endured a vicious attack from Damian Priest, including a Con‑Chair‑To shot that left him injured . Though WWE labeled him “a little banged up but totally fine,” backstage reports suggested his absence would be prolonged . Since then, McIntyre has been rebuilding—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Emotional and Physical Toll
In a candid interview with 12 News, McIntyre detailed why he stepped away, saying he received sixteen staples after a brutal Hell in a Cell match, and much of the time off was also spent in Scotland coping with a personal family loss. He admitted this served as a reality check, prompting reflection on his work/life balance. “I realized I’ve probably given too much to my profession and not enough to my family,” he said .
Mature Mindset & Emotional Control
Ahead of the 2025 Royal Rumble in February, rumors emerged that McIntyre stormed out of the arena during the match, visibly agitated over perceived in-match confusion or botched timing. He later addressed the incident on Gorilla Position, stating:
> “I will tell you that I was not happy… I invented a few swear words…and then I left the building… I blow up big time… but I’m also professional, so I’d rather take myself out of the situation… That’s the adult thing to do.”
He connected this behavior to previous emotional outbursts—including an earlier walkout involving CM Punk—and stressed that stepping back preserved his professionalism and prevented potential conflicts .
A Calculated Return
After his hiatus, McIntyre made a strategic return on Raw, targeting Sami Zayn—laying the groundwork for a heel turn and new rivalries . He framed his comeback with a mission: to “take what’s mine” and deliver retribution to those who crossed him . Now declared in a matured, focused mindset, he’s prepared for what he dubbed “an interesting phase” .
Looking Ahead: Where Drew’s Story Goes Next
McIntyre’s resurgence aligns with WWE’s recent story arcs. He’s now near the top of the heel hierarchy and positioned to feud with rising faces like Zayn or disrupt key factions—his prior run-ins with The Bloodline suggest that Roman Reigns or Jey Uso could be on his sights . Additionally, his rivalry with Damian Priest remains unresolved, offering yet another direction. WWE creative will likely explore these angles across Raw and SmackDown in coming months.
From Burnout to Balance
This period of McIntyre’s life reflects a broader theme: the hazards of burnout in high-impact sports entertainment. His decision to prioritize family and mental space, combined with transparency about his emotional boundaries, underscores a growing awareness among athletes about health beyond the ring. And now, stronger and clearer-minded, he returns to chase the next chapter.
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Drew McIntyre’s WWE absence was more than physical recovery—it was personal. Between injuries, a family loss, and his own emotional burnout, he retreat to rebuild and reflect. Now, stepping back into the spotlight with renewed clarity and a tempered attitude, he’s ready for a
nother defining era in WWE.
