As noted before, Drew McIntyre has been out of action for WWE since this past April’s WrestleMania 39 event due to an unknown health issue. McIntyre’s contract with WWE is currently expected to expire by early 2024 but talks between the two sides for a potential new deal have stalled and McIntyre had recently removed all references to WWE from his Twitter account.
Fightful Select reported that their sources provided several new details regarding McIntyre’s health situation and contract status, and also issues backstage with WWE management.
In regards to McIntyre’s career future, it was reported that those spoken to stated that the reports of McIntyre leaning towards leaving the company once his current contract with WWE is not entirely true. Those spoken to reportedly stated that it would be more accurate to say that he currently does not know what he will be doing for the future. McIntyre reportedly is willing to explore options elsewhere if things are not working for him and WWE officials by the time his current contract expires. McIntyre reportedly would also leave the door open to the idea of a potential return to WWE in the future if that were to be the case.
In regards to McIntyre’s health status, it was reported that McIntyre has been working while banged up and has several injuries that needed to be taken care of but he was adamant about wanting to work through WrestleMania 39 to help put over Gunther.
In regards to backstage issues, those spoken to reportedly stated that McIntyre has been frustrated over several situations backstage involving him and WWE officials not being on the same page for plans. It was reported that while McIntyre is usually told about Draft plans ahead of time, WWE officials decided to not inform him of their plans for him for this year WWE Draft. McIntyre reportedly only found out about the plans for him for this year’s Draft after it was announced on television that he was drafted to the RAW brand. This reportedly has been among the several instances of perceived miscommunications between McIntyre and WWE officials over the past couple of years.
It was also reported that those spoken to stated that McIntyre is very hands-on with his creative plans when applicable. WWE officials reportedly have already made pitches for him to turn heel as part of his return to the company but those spoken to stated that they expect McIntyre to push back on those plans in order to make sure that it makes creative sense. McIntyre reportedly has been vocal to WWE officials about not making dramatic changes to their plans for him unless it makes sense creatively.
In regards to McIntyre’s contract status, it was reported that several talent spoken to stated that they are currently not exactly sure how WWE’s sale deal with Endeavor will affect their contracts with the company. This view reportedly is also based on WWE changing their approach to renewals over the last couple of years.