Drew McIntyre’s WWE absence may be coming to an end, and the timing now makes a lot more sense.
After weeks away from WWE programming following his brutal WrestleMania 42 loss to Jacob Fatu, WWE is now officially advertising McIntyre for the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain at Olympic Arena.
McIntyre disappeared from television after WrestleMania 42, which immediately led to questions about why he had been pulled from WWE programming. We previously reported that McIntyre was not sidelined because of an injury or storyline issue. Instead, he was overseas filming the Highlander reboot and finishing his remaining scenes in Scotland.
That lines up with earlier reports that McIntyre landed a major role in the Amazon MGM Studios project alongside Henry Cavill. McIntyre is set to play Angus MacLeod in the film, which is being directed by Chad Stahelski.
His last WWE appearance came at WrestleMania 42, where he faced Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match. The violent bout effectively wrote him off television while he handled his outside filming commitments.
Now that WWE is advertising McIntyre for SmackDown in Barcelona, it appears the former WWE Champion is close to stepping back into the mix. The company has not yet confirmed what role he will play on the show, but his advertised return is the clearest sign yet that his absence was always temporary.
McIntyre’s return also comes at a key time for WWE, with the company moving forward after WrestleMania 42 and setting up its next major programs. After taking time away for Hollywood work, McIntyre could be walking back into SmackDown with unfinished business following his loss to Fatu, or an entirely different feud.
Do you think Drew McIntyre should go right back after Jacob Fatu when he returns, or should WWE move him into a fresh storyline? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments.