Drew McIntyre’s path in WWE is taking a new turn. Reports suggest he’s lined up for a clash with Cody Rhodes at the upcoming ECW-inspired Wrestlepalooza on September 20 in Indianapolis. If true, that’s WWE giving him a marquee stage after months of uncertainty. At the same time, news is circulating that he’ll be off television for an extended stretch, which makes his next appearance feel less like a routine booking and more like a carefully timed return.
Even away from weekly shows, Drew hasn’t gone silent. On the Gorilla Position podcast, he admitted he can’t wrestle forever and spoke openly about life outside the ring. He’s been leaning into hobbies and projects away from WWE, a reminder that while wrestling defines him now, he’s already thinking about what comes after. It’s not retirement talk yet, but it’s the first glimpse of him preparing fans for that day.
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There’s also a twist: McIntyre was seen backstage at a recent SmackDown taping. That doesn’t guarantee a TV comeback right away, but it’s a signal he’s still in the mix and still valued. WWE wouldn’t keep him around if there weren’t big plans waiting, and the buzz around Wrestlepalooza points in that direction.
The takeaway is simple McIntyre is stepping back without stepping away. He’s absent from current storylines, yes, but the pause feels intentional. WWE is saving him for something bigger, and the Cody Rhodes match could be the spark that kicks off his next major chapter.
For fans, the message is clear: don’t mistake silence for absence. Drew McIntyre is still part of WWE’s future, just on a different timetable. When he does return, it won’t be low-key it’ll be the kind of moment designed to remind everyone why he belongs at the top.