One of WWE’s top stars, Drew McIntyre, made a triumphant and thunderous return at the Money in the Bank PLE at the O2 Arena in London, effectively putting an end to rumors about his potential departure.
The Scottish Warrior made his surprise appearance following the brutal Intercontinental Championship match between the reigning champion, GUNTHER, and Matt Riddle, and his entrance was met with an overwhelming cheer from the London crowd at O2 Arena.
The tension in the air was obvious since McIntyre hadn’t been seen since WrestleMania 39 back in April, where he lost the Intercontinental Title match against GUNTHER and Sheamus. Ever since his absence, there was rife speculation about his future in WWE, fueled by rumors of his dissatisfaction with the company’s creative direction. His WWE contract status has only added to the mystery, sparking further conversation among the fans and industry insiders.
However, McIntyre’s resounding return to the ring made it clear that his future was far from uncertain. His initial order of business was to confront GUNTHER, who had just retained his Intercontinental Championship against Matt Riddle.
Riddle gave a spirited performance against the towering champion, showcasing a flurry of moves, even trapping GUNTHER in a triangle choke at one point. However, GUNTHER dominated the fight with his strategic targeting of Riddle’s taped ankle and submitted him with an ankle lock, successfully defending his title.
But the champion’s victory was short-lived as the pulsating beat of McIntyre’s entrance theme reverberated through the arena. With his presence alone, the Scottish Warrior turned the tide of the evening, making it clear that he had his sights set on the Intercontinental Championship.
The crowd roared in approval as McIntyre walked out to the ring for a confrontation with GUNTHER. The ring announcer, Michael Cole, affirmed, “the rumors about McIntyre’s demise in WWE are not true.”
As McIntyre entered the ring, GUNTHER, showing no fear, shoved him, a move he would immediately regret. McIntyre retaliated with his signature Glasgow kiss and the Claymore, leaving the champion sprawled on the canvas. In a symbolic gesture, McIntyre posed with the Intercontinental Championship belt, sending a clear message to GUNTHER and the WWE universe – he was back, and he was after the title.
For GUNTHER, McIntyre’s return implies that his path to becoming the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history just became much more arduous. McIntyre has proven in the past that he can be a formidable contender, and with his renewed vigor and the support of the WWE fans, he is a significant threat to GUNTHER’s reign.
With his intentions clear, the only question that remains is: When will McIntyre get his chance to dethrone GUNTHER, and will he succeed? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the WWE Universe is in for a thrilling ride.
