For almost a year now, the WWE future of Drew McIntyre has looked uncertain. Following WrestleMania 39 last year, McIntyre disappeared from WWE programming for several months and reports emerged that he was considering leaving WWE when his current contract expired. He subsequently returned to the promotion at Money In The Bank in July and has played coy about his future with the company ever since.
The Scottish star’s reported contractual situation is surprising given his prominence on WWE programming as of late. Ever since CM Punk suffered a legitimate tricep injury during the Men’s Royal Rumble match, McIntyre has continually goaded him on both TV and social media, seemingly setting up a major feud between the two. However, Punk isn’t expected to return to the ring until much later this year, well after McIntyre’s contract was said to expire, leading to speculation that McIntyre plans to remain with the company despite having not re-signed as of yet.
Fightful Select reports that McIntyre is now contracted with the company through WWE WrestleMania XL this April as the company has added some injury and inactivity time to his current deal to extend it past the major event. This lines up with a report last month that he will not be under contract with the company past April as things stand. McIntyre and WWE are said to have held conversations regarding his future, according to sources close to him, though there has yet to be a new deal signed at the time of writing. Both sides, however, reportedly appear as if they want a new deal put in place.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, it’s key to note that McIntyre was one of several stars advertised for a WWE Live Event on May 1st that was announced earlier this week. The show is set to take place in Bologna, Italy just days before WWE Backlash France, suggesting that he may appear at that Premium Live Event and will therefore remain with the company beyond this April.