Whether Drew McIntyre finishes up his contract with WWE and moves on to other things isn't entirely clear at the moment, but it sounds like, until WWE and McIntyre have worked out their differences, the Scottish Warrior won't be coming back to WWE programming.
According to Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, WWE, and McIntyre are working out "what they want, what he wants, and when they agree to it" he'll be back in WWE. His absence is reportedly related to creative differences and until both sides can come to terms with what it is that will make McIntyre happy, he won't be part of any major storylines. It could explain why he wasn't used in the World Title Tournament that will culminate in a match between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles at Night of Champions.
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McIntyre was last seen at WrestleMania when he competed in a Triple Threat match against Gunther and Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship. He lost that match and wasn't immediately brought back to WWE television. Some wondered why, thinking maybe it was an injury, but it was then revealed that his contract was coming to a close in early 2024 and there was a possibility he might leave WWE. Having proven he can already make a living outside of the company and with new options available to him with AEW, some believed McIntyre might actually be better off if he was unhappy.
Meltzer has previously reported that McIntyre is "working with the idea there's a good chance he's finishing up" with WWE, but this could all change quickly if the two sides can find a good way to use him and he's happy with it.
Why Would WWE Let McIntyre Walk Over Creative Issues?
If McIntyre's beef is not financially motivated and WWE still sees him as a draw for the company, why would they let him leave over creative issues? Perhaps it has something to do with how Triple H sees him versus how Vince McMahon did. McMahon was pushing him as one of the top babyfaces in WWE before Vince left amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. McIntyre has still be prominently featured, but not as high up in the card on a weekly basis.
