Drew McIntyre, a beloved WWE star and passionate supporter of the Rangers, is poised to receive an enthusiastic welcome in Glasgow tonight. This celebration comes on the heels of his incredible victory in securing the Undisputed WWE Championship, which he achieved just before returning to his hometown.
The 40-year-old wrestler from Ayr left fans in Berlin buzzing with excitement when he triumphed over Cody Rhodes, marking his third time clinching this prestigious title in his remarkable career.
Imagine the uproar as thousands of fans celebrated his return to Scotland with the championship belt in hand, a moment made even sweeter after a four-year wait since his last reign ended. This victory is just another chapter in Scotland's growing legacy in the wrestling world, especially as McIntyre also recently landed a significant role in the upcoming reboot of Highlander.
In an exhilarating Three Stages of Hell match against Rhodes, McIntyre showcased his prowess by winning the initial standard wrestling match via pinfall. However, he faced a setback in the second fall, a falls count anywhere match, before ultimately claiming victory in the final steel cage showdown, thanks to an unexpected intervention by returning superstar Jacob Fatu.
McIntyre's journey to reclaiming the championship has been filled with ups and downs. After first winning the WWE Undisputed Championship during WrestleMania 36 back in 2020—an event held behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic—he went on to become a two-time champion that same year. He secured his second title by defeating Randy Orton but soon lost it to The Miz shortly thereafter.
In a remarkable comeback, McIntyre captured the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL in 2024 by overcoming Seth Rollins. However, this reign was cut short when CM Punk attacked him right after the match, allowing Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and end McIntyre's title reign in less than six minutes.
The saga didn’t end there. McIntyre was unable to reclaim his title from Priest during Clash at the Castle: Scotland, a historic WWE event held in June 2024, largely due to more interference from Punk. The rivalry escalated, particularly when Punk taunted McIntyre by flaunting his support for the Celtic football club, wearing a Celtic tracksuit at a press conference following their big event in Glasgow.
This playful yet provocative gesture came after Punk was spotted shopping in Celtic merchandise stores earlier in the day, leaving many to wonder if he had indeed made a purchase to further rub salt in McIntyre's wounds.
The intertwining of sports and local culture adds layers to this narrative, as even Celtic's official social media accounts couldn't resist poking fun at McIntyre after his shocking loss, thanking Punk for spoiling what was supposed to be a grand moment for the Scottish star. As McIntyre brings the title home tonight, one can't help but wonder: what will the atmosphere be like in the Hydro as he walks in with the championship? Will the rivalry with Punk continue to simmer, or is this the start of a new chapter in McIntyre's illustrious career? Share your thoughts!
