Drew McIntyre is legitimately upset over CM Punk and Roman Reigns making SmackDown and the Undisputed WWE Championship feel second-rate.
Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre recently appeared on Busted Open Radio. During the conversation, he stated that he was upset over Roman Reigns and CM Punk making his title and SmackDown feel lesser. In their faceoff on the episode of RAW after the 2026 Royal Rumble, Punk told Reigns that selecting McIntyre would be the easy way out. The OTC had also said Punk was the bigger star available.
Drew McIntyre then recalled addressing Roman Reigns and CM Punk’s comments on SmackDown.
“Say whatever you want about me. I can protect myself. I look after myself verbally. And to be honest, they weren’t even that bad. It was just the stuff about the title and SmackDown and making it feel a little less than, when they’re such big superstars. Just focus on the title, focus on each other. So, I went out and did a Braveheart-like speech on the Friday because I was legitimately upset. As far as I was concerned, that was it, done. And it seems to be done. Now, they’re focused on their stuff. We’re focused on our stuff,” Drew McIntyre stated.
What did Drew McIntyre say on SmackDown?
During a promo segment on the February 6 episode of WWE SmackDown, Drew McIntyre responded to CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ comments, calling them insecure. He noted that he was frustrated because they made his title and the blue brand feel second-rate.
“Quite frankly, I was disappointed,” Drew McIntyre began. “The OTC and CM Punk, for such big Superstars, came across as very, very insecure. They would take a dig at me and then the other one would defend me by telling the truth, shutting down their argument. Talking about me doesn’t upset me, talk about me all day long. What frustrated me was trying to make this brand and this title feel second rate.
“For the SmackDown roster, if you didn’t see that as a declaration of war and you don’t wrestle every match like it’s your last match, I’ll show your arse the door. As for this title, what did you say, Punk? The man makes the title, the title makes the man. This man has been through hell to get this title. This man never quit when times got tough or went part-time. I would never go part-time. I was there when the world shut down, ate banquets of crap, and I’ve earned this title,” Drew McIntyre stated. [H/T Cultaholic]
While the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble winner, Roman Reigns, has decided to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, Drew McIntyre’s challenger for the WWE Title will be determined through the men’s Elimination Chamber. Randy Orton, LA Knight, Je’Von Evans, and Cody Rhodes have qualified so far, with two spots yet to be filled.
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