As the road to WrestleMania unfolds, WWE is presented with an array of creative possibilities for marquee matches. However, the uncertainty surrounding Drew McIntyre’s contract status looms as a potential hurdle, influencing the creative direction leading up to WrestleMania 40.
Drew McIntyre has strategically embraced his role as a formidable heel, leveraging CM Punk’s injury to amplify his villainous persona and secure his place in the upper echelons of WWE.
Despite consistently featuring in the world title picture, reports indicate that McIntyre’s contract extension with the company is yet to be finalized, with the current deal set to expire shortly after WrestleMania.
During the latest episode of Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell, a seasoned figure in professional wrestling, shed light on the challenges creative teams face when a talent’s future in the promotion is uncertain. He emphasized the impact on planning and execution, stating:
“That’s the worst thing, to be on the creative team when they say, ‘Well, we can’t do that.’ ‘Why?’ ‘He hasn’t signed his contract.’ You say, ‘What have I got to do with that?’ But it is a point that you can’t do something with somebody if they are not going to be there.” [43:30 – 44:00]
Drawing from his experiences in the territorial days of professional wrestling, Mantell reminisced about promoters resorting to making dissatisfied stars champions in a bid to retain their services. However, this tactic sometimes backfired, with departing champions taking the title with them.
“That means, and this is what the old territories would do, they would put the belt on somebody, and the guy wasn’t happy anyway. As soon as he got the belt, that’s when he made demands and walked. A lot of times, they walked with the belt, and suddenly, you’ve got a champion who isn’t there, and the belt is gone, too. So, that’s something you’ve got to deal with too.” [44:01 – 45:00]
Drew McIntyre’s compelling transformation into a sinister heel has positioned him as a pivotal figure in WWE, yet the uncertainty surrounding his contract casts a shadow over potential creative endeavors.
As WrestleMania approaches, the resolution of McIntyre’s contract situation will significantly influence the trajectory of his character and the storylines that unfold on the grandest stage of them all.
