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Drew McIntyre may not have achieved the match he desired at WWE WrestleMania 41, but he did secure a significant victory.
The former three-time world champion overcame Damian Priest with a powerful Claymore Kick into a steel chair, marking yet another chapter in their ongoing rivalry. While McIntyre celebrated this win, he had hoped for a more prominent role in WrestleMania, reminiscent of his impressive journey the previous year.
In 2023, McIntyre fought Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40 and played a pivotal role in elevating Monday Night Raw. His expectations for this year’s event were understandably high, leading him to express frustration over settling for a midcard match against Priest instead of vying for a championship.
This situation reflects a notable shift for both athletes, who joined SmackDown after making significant impacts in Raw’s championship scene. Priest, after winning his first World Heavyweight title at WrestleMania 40, had a meteoric rise marked by successfully cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase against McIntyre.
Despite the uphill task of following Iyo Sky’s sensational victory, Priest and McIntyre aimed to exceed expectations, transforming their bout into more than just a filler match.
The backdrop of their rivalry, marked by constant interaction over the past year, has not generated the intensity or excitement anticipated. Without a championship on the line, the conflict often lacked the emotional stakes that could have enhanced its appeal.
While Priest appears to fit comfortably into his role as an upper midcarder, McIntyre’s experience and talent positioned him for more significant opportunities, making his WrestleMania participation feel like a missed chance, even amidst a high-quality match.
The rivalry itself stumbled early at the WWE Royal Rumble, where contentious moments occurred, particularly with McIntyre’s disappointing elimination at the hands of Priest. This lack of spotlight reduced the significance of their encounter in what was considered a star-studded event.
Despite his dissatisfaction with not being in a world title match, McIntyre urged fans to give his rivalry with Priest a chance, which many did. However, the storyline struggled to gain traction, a common challenge in WWE when championships are excluded from the narrative. Nevertheless, their encounter at WrestleMania 41 proved to be a quality display from two top-tier performers.
Moving forward, WWE faces the task of reigniting McIntyre’s status and positioning him back at the forefront of the card.
Reports earlier this year hinted at a potential feud between McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, which could play out for the WWE Championship, contingent upon Rhodes’ performance against John Cena at WrestleMania. Such a storyline would align more fittingly with McIntyre’s capabilities and stature, as he deserves to be engaged in pivotal matches rather than lingering in midcard obscurity.
Though McIntyre’s win over the former World Heavyweight Champion may fade from memory in the years to come, it has the potential to serve as a springboard, rekindling his standing as one of WWE’s most accomplished talents.
Source
www.forbes.com