Drew McIntyre’s future with WWE remains uncertain as his contract is set to expire shortly after WrestleMania 40, where he is booked to challenge Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite expectations that McIntyre will re-sign with the company, nothing has been confirmed yet. McIntyre has emerged as one of the top stars in WWE, with a prominent spot on Monday Night Raw and involvement in major feuds with the likes of CM Punk and Seth Rollins. His disillusioned heel character has helped revive his career, making him a valuable asset for WWE in a time when top-level heels are lacking.
The negotiation process for McIntyre’s next WWE contract has been ongoing for about a year, with reports suggesting that both sides have faced challenges in coming to an agreement. McIntyre’s star power has risen significantly in recent months, making him a sought-after talent for other promotions like AEW. The signing of top stars like Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, and Mercedes Mone has highlighted the benefits of joining AEW, including flexibility and better offers. McIntyre has expressed a desire to continue having fun in wrestling and making a significant impact, regardless of which company he ends up with.
While WWE recognizes McIntyre’s value as a top-level star, the company has not rushed to re-sign him with a high-dollar deal, following a similar approach with other top talents like Becky Lynch. WWE’s overarching belief in the strength of the brand over individual stars may lead to missed opportunities in retaining talents like McIntyre. Despite the recent signings of major stars by AEW, WWE appears unfazed by potential departures and is less concerned about its stars jumping ship. However, with former WWE main eventers like Adam Cole and Daniel Bryan finding success in AEW, the trend of ex-WWE names moving to the promotion may continue if WWE does not prioritize keeping talents like McIntyre.
AEW has proven to be a viable option for former WWE stars seeking creative freedom and better opportunities, which could appeal to McIntyre as he weighs his future options. While signing with AEW may not necessarily elevate the promotion to the next level, it would be a significant loss for WWE, which has invested in McIntyre as a top star. As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve and promotions like AEW gain traction, WWE may need to reconsider its approach to contract negotiations and the value placed on retaining top talent like McIntyre. The possibility of McIntyre joining AEW remains a realistic outcome, and it could signal a shift in power dynamics within the wrestling industry.
