Drew McIntyre Is Taking Leave of Absence From WWE
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre is reportedly set for an extended leave of absence from the company following his grueling Steel Cage match against Damian Priest at Saturday Night's Main Event on May 24, 2025.
The brutal end to his Saturday night match, where Priest defeated him with a "sickening Con-Chair-To before calmly walking out of the cage door," is the storyline reason for his upcoming time off.
This news comes from reports by Mike Johnson of PWInsider and Fightful Select. They stated"The Scottish Warrior" has been "banged up for several weeks" and working through injuries, though he continued to appear on television as planned.
Ahead of the match, McIntyre had revealed to the Orlando Sentinel that he was already "unable to fully turn his head," adding that "working hurt is part of the game" for seasoned athletes. There is currently no word on when McIntyre will be back in the ring.
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This development occurs as it was also reported that McIntyre's opponent, Priest, had also been working injured for some time. Despite being banged up, Priest has reportedly earned significant praise backstage for continuing to perform at a high level.
McIntyre entered 2025 with a strong focus on regaining a World Championship. He was a participant in the Royal Rumble match in January, aiming to secure a main event spot at WrestleMania 41. While he had a dominant showing, he was ultimately unsuccessful in winning the Rumble.
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Drew McIntyre looks on with CM Punk's bracelet during Monday Night RAW at Amerant Bank Arena on August 19, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Drew McIntyre looks on with CM Punk's bracelet during Monday Night RAW at Amerant Bank Arena on August 19, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
WWE/Getty Images
Following the Royal Rumble, McIntyre became embroiled in the #1 Contender's picture for the World Heavyweight Championship on Raw. This often put him at odds with other top contenders like Priest and CM Punk.
He participated in the Elimination Chamber match in February 2025 in Perth, Australia, where the winner was to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
McIntyre was a favorite but lost due to Priest's interference, further fueling their animosity. At WrestleMania 41, Priest went over McIntyre, which furthered their feud. At WWE Backlash, McIntyre competed in a Fatal 4-Way match for the United States Championship against then-champion Jacob Fatu, Damian Priest, and LA Knight. It's unclear when McIntyre will be back on WWE television, but fans are hoping it won't be for long.
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