WWE Could Change Drew McIntyre's WrestleMania 'Nothing' Match After Online Backlash (WWE News)

An online backlash may prompt WWE to change its WrestleMania 41 plans for Drew McIntyre.

Dr. Chris Featherstone has reported as much, stating that the "backlash" has "opened up internal discussions to reevaluate current plans" regarding McIntyre and WrestleMania.

Although WWE has not yet announced Drew's WM41 opponent, Damian Priest looks likely. The former Judgment Day member eliminated McIntyre from the 2025 men's Royal Rumble earlier this month. Beyond that, they have kayfabe beef stemming from Priest successfully cashing in on McIntyre to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 40, doing so minutes after Drew had dethroned Seth Rollins.

Said Rumble spot sparked controversy after the event when it was reported that McIntyre was upset and "something had gone amiss." Purportedly, McIntyre was upset that a wrestler (later stated to be LA Knight) had "killed the drama and momentum" of Priest's elimination of him because of their "errant movement." It was noted, too, that Drew had stormed out of Royal Rumble 2025 before the men's match had even concluded.

Later, the Daily Mail reported that McIntyre was set to face Priest at 'Mania, which sources called a "nothing match." Drew was reportedly dissatisfied with the booking himself, believing he was worthy of a bigger spot after "the most successful year of his career in 2024."

Who Will Drew McIntyre Face At WrestleMania 41?

With many of WWE's other major players seemingly moving in other directions for WrestleMania 41, it'd be interesting to see who the promotion could pivot to as McIntyre for the 19 and 29 April supershow.

World Heavyweight Champion Gunther will be occupied by men's Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso in the only bout confirmed for the show. A rumoured Triple Threat pitting CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins together takes three other headlines off the table. Meanwhile, John Cena is amongst the favourites to win 1 March's men's Elimination Chamber match, punching a WrestlingMania 41 ticket for Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship in the process.

This leaves few big names for McIntyre. Randy Orton could fit the bill as a big-name babyface opponent and Drew being sent to SmackDown as part of WWE's Transfer Window. That story is open. Whether or not LA Knight is a bigger match than Damian Priest is debatable, but he appears free. Elsewhere, Logan Paul is a star, but him vs. Drew would be heel vs. heel.

Of course, a Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson return could shake the entire WrestleMania card up, freeing potential opponents, but this becomes increasingly unlikely the closer we get to 'Mania.

Currently, Priest might be the biggest, most realistic option available for Drew come April.