Drew McIntyre has not appeared on WWE television since his unsanctioned match against Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42, and the former WWE Champion says that when he does return, it will be “a big deal” for both himself and the fans.
Speaking on the Going Ringside podcast, McIntyre explained just how unusual this stretch away from the ring has been for him. According to Fightful, he said he has “never had six months off” since starting his professional wrestling career, underlining how significant this absence is in the context of a career that has rarely afforded him extended downtime.
McIntyre has spent the time away from WWE working on film projects, including “Highlander” and “The Last Druid,” according to Fightful’s report on the podcast appearance. The shift from the ring to film sets marks a notable departure from his usual year-round in-ring schedule, and host Scott Johnson raised the subject of next year’s “Road To” build in discussing McIntyre’s eventual comeback.
When asked directly about his future in WWE, McIntyre did not give a timetable, but confirmed he intends to return. NoDQ reported that McIntyre said he would be back on WWE television “eventually,” a comment that leaves the exact timing open while confirming his departure is not permanent.
The Fatu Feud and What Comes Next
McIntyre’s last televised appearance centered on his unsanctioned match with Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42, a high-stakes stipulation that has gone unresolved on WWE programming in the months since. With McIntyre teasing a dramatic comeback rather than a quiet re-entry, speculation will naturally turn to whether that rivalry picks back up once he is cleared to return, though no confirmed plans, dates or opponents have been announced by WWE.
For now, McIntyre’s comments establish two confirmed facts: this is the longest break of his wrestling career, and he is treating his eventual return as a major moment rather than a routine comeback. Fans will have to wait for official word from WWE on scheduling, but McIntyre’s own framing suggests his reappearance is being built toward something significant rather than a low-key return to the roster.
