Roman Reigns’ reign as the “Tribal Chief” has been nothing short of dominant, leaving a trail of fallen superstars in his wake. One such competitor is Drew McIntyre, the “Scottish Warrior,” whose WWE career trajectory took a sharp turn at Clash at the Castle.
McIntyre’s hometown clash against Reigns was a dream match for him, a chance to solidify his legacy in front of his closest supporters. However, the brutal reality of the night left him “horrifically disappointed” and “frustrated,” as he revealed on Gorilla Position.
McIntyre acknowledges the bigger picture. He understands the narrative WWE is weaving around Reigns, the importance of maintaining his dominance.
Yet, a part of him feels a missed opportunity.
“I personally believe there was maybe another way to figure out how we can protect what’s going on with him, but also elevate McIntyre to where we need him to be for the company,”
he stated.
The crux of his frustration lies in the belief that there could have been a different outcome, one that wouldn’t have compromised Reigns’ storyline while still propelling him forward.
He readily admits,
“We didn’t do it that night, and I thought we could’ve; maybe we should’ve.”
He acknowledges the long-term vision Triple H has for the company and his individual journey. “If I’d won that night, the story wouldn’t have been the same, obviously, as it is right now.”
McIntyre’s loss may have been a setback, but it also highlights the complex storytelling that goes into crafting compelling narratives. While the immediate outcome left him deflated, it becomes a stepping stone within the larger narrative arc.
This sentiment is echoed by Xavier Woods of The New Day. While Woods’ reign against Reigns was brief, resulting in a technical victory, it serves as a reminder that the “Tribal Chief” hasn’t been invincible throughout his reign.
Woods, alongside Seth Rollins, holds a victory over Reigns, a fact he playfully highlighted on WWE Deutschland.
The potential for a future clash between The New Day and The Bloodline remains a tantalizing prospect, especially considering The Usos recently surpassed The New Day’s long-standing record for the longest-reigning Tag Team Champions.
McIntyre’s reflection on Clash at the Castle loss goes beyond individual disappointment. It sparks a conversation about booking decisions, long-term storytelling, and the delicate balance between maintaining dominant champions and elevating rising stars.
As McIntyre continues his journey, the WWE Universe awaits to see how this “road not taken” shapes his future battles and potential clashes with the likes of Reigns and The Bloodline.
