Imagine the roar of the crowd, the flash of the lights – and a hometown hero returning victorious. But what if that victory was hard-won, tinged with controversy, and potentially short-lived? Drew McIntyre, the Rangers-loving Scottish WWE superstar, is about to receive a champion's welcome in Glasgow, but his path to this moment has been anything but straightforward.
McIntyre, hailing from Ayr, Scotland, sent shockwaves through the WWE universe in Berlin last night. In a stunning turn of events, he defeated Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship – his third time holding the coveted title. This victory comes more than four years after his last reign ended, sending thousands of fans into a frenzy as he departed Germany with the gold. It’s a huge moment not just for McIntyre, but for Scotland and the UK, solidifying his status as Britain's first WWE champion. And adding to his already impressive resume, McIntyre recently landed a major role in the upcoming Highlander reboot movie, showcasing his talents beyond the wrestling ring.
But here's where it gets controversial... McIntyre didn't just win; he battled. He and Rhodes went head-to-head in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match, a brutal contest divided into three distinct rounds. McIntyre secured the first fall with a traditional wrestling pinfall, showcasing his technical prowess. Rhodes retaliated in the second round, winning a falls count anywhere match, proving his resilience and ability to fight outside the confines of the ring. The final, decisive stage took place inside a formidable steel cage. Victory seemed within McIntyre's grasp, but then, chaos erupted. The debuting superstar Jacob Fatu stormed the ring, interfering in the match and ultimately paving the way for McIntyre’s triumph.
And this is the part most people miss... McIntyre's celebration wasn't just about winning; it was about redemption. After multiple near-misses and heart-wrenching defeats in recent years, the image of him clutching the championship belt spoke volumes. He's bringing that title home to Glasgow's Hydro arena tonight, where the biggest names in WWE await. But let's not forget the past.
McIntyre's journey to the top has been filled with ups and downs. He first captured the WWE Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 36 in 2020, defeating Brock Lesnar inside the WWE Performance Center. It was a monumental achievement, but one that was experienced in the eerie silence of a fan-less arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This robbed McIntyre of the immediate, electrifying celebration he deserved. He later became a two-time champion in 2020 by defeating Randy Orton, only to lose the title to The Miz a few months later.
Then came WrestleMania XL in 2024. McIntyre, fueled by passion and determination, defeated Seth Rollins to claim the World Heavyweight Championship. The crowd erupted, celebrating what seemed like a true resurgence. However, his joy was short-lived. CM Punk, in a shocking act of spite, attacked McIntyre after the match, allowing Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract. McIntyre's reign ended in a mere five minutes and forty-six seconds, a devastating blow that left fans stunned and heartbroken.
He sought to reclaim the title from Priest at Clash at the Castle: Scotland in June 2024, a historic event marking Scotland's first major WWE show. But once again, CM Punk interfered, costing McIntyre the match and further fueling their bitter rivalry. The animosity escalated when Punk, adding insult to injury, trolled the Rangers-supporting McIntyre by wearing a Celtic tracksuit to the post-event press conference. Pictures even surfaced of Punk seemingly shopping in a Celtic store in Glasgow earlier that day. Following McIntyre's loss, Celtic's official social media accounts even joined in the mockery, posting footage of Punk's interference and thanking him for "spooking" McIntyre's moment.
So, as Drew McIntyre prepares for his hero's welcome in Glasgow, several questions linger. Was his victory truly deserved, given the interference? Will he be able to hold onto the title this time, or will his past misfortunes continue to haunt him? And what role will CM Punk play in McIntyre's future? Is Punk's trolling just playful banter, or a calculated attempt to undermine McIntyre's success? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
