10 Banned Photos WWE Don’t Want You To See

7. Drew McIntyre’s Back

Drew McIntyre CM Punk Thumb Final
Instagram (@DMcIntyreWWE)

In May 2023, it was reported by Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer / Figure Four Online that WWE had imposed a ban on its talent posting pictures of injuries. This rule “especially” applied to blood. 

This seemed to be a reaction to AEW marketing merchandise drawn from memorably violent in-ring moments (like Britt Baker’s shirts based on blade jobs and black eyes). 

The rule has either since been relaxed, or Drew McIntyre doesn’t give a toss about it: in August of 2024, he showed off a picture of his back on his social media accounts to sell the strap-assisted beating he took at the hands of CM Punk to promote their gimmick match at Bash At Berlin. Then again, this wasn’t an injury per se, and WWE has since relaxed its stance on deliberate bleeding in its matches. 

Drew has previous with this sort of content, often displaying the glowing red welts that appeared on his body in his wars with Sheamus. He seems to see it as a badge of honour. That, or he takes any excuse to show off that rippling back. 

As you would: the guy looks like Goro with two arms.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!