Challenges Faced by Drew McIntyre: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Drew McIntyre's life and career.

Drew McIntyre, born Andrew McLean Galloway IV, is a Scottish professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the SmackDown brand. He is known for his powerful in-ring style and multiple championship reigns within WWE, including two WWE Championships. McIntyre initially gained recognition in WWE in the late 2000s before a period outside the company where he honed his skills and reinvented himself. His return to WWE saw him reach the top of the company, establishing him as a major force in professional wrestling.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2012: Joins 3MB faction

In 2012, Drew McIntyre's character took a more comedic turn upon joining the 3MB faction, as he continuously lost matches.

2014: Release from WWE Contract

In 2014, Drew McIntyre was released from his WWE contract after being relegated to lower-card status.

January 2019: Royal Rumble match

In January 2019, at the Royal Rumble, Drew McIntyre entered the Royal Rumble match at number 16, but was ultimately eliminated by Dolph Ziggler.

January 2021: COVID-19 diagnosis and Royal Rumble title defense

In January 2021, after retaining the title against Keith Lee, a rematch between McIntyre and Orton was cancelled after McIntyre tested positive for COVID-19. On January 31, McIntyre retained the title against Goldberg at Royal Rumble.

2021: Drafted to SmackDown and WWE Championship match

In 2021, Drew McIntyre was drafted to SmackDown. At Crown Jewel in October, McIntyre faced Big E for the WWE Championship, but lost. In November, at Survivor Series, McIntyre was the captain of Team SmackDown, but his team lost the match.

January 2022: Feud with Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss

In January 2022, Drew McIntyre was feuding with Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, defeating Moss at Day 1. McIntyre participated in the Royal Rumble match, but was the last competitor eliminated by Brock Lesnar.

January 2023: Royal Rumble match

In January 2023, at Royal Rumble, McIntyre entered the titular match at number 9, scoring four eliminations before being eliminated by Gunther.

2023: Drafted to Raw and heel turn

In 2023, as part of the 2023 Draft, McIntyre was drafted to the Raw brand. In November, McIntyre turned heel by helping The Judgment Day retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. At Survivor Series: WarGames, McIntyre and The Judgment Day lost to Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Randy Orton.

January 2024: Royal Rumble and injury to CM Punk

In January 2024, during the Royal Rumble match, McIntyre legitimately injured CM Punk's triceps after a botched landing of his signature Future Shock DDT.

January 2025: Feud with Jey Uso and attack on Sami Zayn

In January 2025, Drew McIntyre lost to Jey Uso at the Raw premiere on Netflix. At Royal Rumble, McIntyre entered at number 17, but was eliminated by Damian Priest.

2025: Teamed with Logan Paul and feud with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton

In 2025, Drew McIntyre returned on the 4th of July episode of SmackDown, confronting Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. On July 16, McIntyre interrupted an interview with Orton on Jimmy Kimmel Live. On August 2, at SummerSlam, McIntyre teamed with Logan Paul to defeat Orton and Jelly Roll.

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