Fresh off his big win as the new WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre took a subtle jab at his old rival CM Punk during a tour stop in Scotland. The Scottish wrestler posted a social media photo that fans quickly saw as shade, just days after claiming the title in a dramatic match on January 9, 2026.
McIntyre’s Championship Victory Sets the Stage
Drew McIntyre ended Cody Rhodes’ reign as WWE Champion in a thrilling Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown in Berlin. The bout featured intense action across cage, tables, and ambulance stipulations, with McIntyre pulling off two key wins.
Fans watched as Jacob Fatu made a surprise return, accidentally helping McIntyre secure the final victory. This marked McIntyre’s third time holding the top prize, a moment he had promised to bring back to his home country.
The win came after months of buildup, including McIntyre’s feuds and comebacks from injuries. Wrestling experts noted how this victory boosts WWE’s international appeal, especially with events like the upcoming Royal Rumble.
Homecoming Tour Ignites Fan Excitement
McIntyre arrived in Glasgow on January 10, 2026, for WWE’s Road to Royal Rumble live event at the OVO Hydro arena. He made his first entrance as champion in front of a roaring Scottish crowd, fulfilling a long-standing promise.
The event drew over 10,000 fans, who chanted his name throughout the night. McIntyre addressed the audience post-show, saying he kept his word to bring the title home.
This tour stop highlighted WWE’s growing presence in Europe, with sold-out shows and high energy. McIntyre’s performance included a main event match where he defended his new status against top stars.
Local media praised the economic boost from the event, estimating thousands in tourism revenue for Glasgow.
The Subtle Shade Toward CM Punk
During the Scotland tour, McIntyre posted a photo on social media showing him in the ring without a shirt, captioning it in a way that seemed to mock CM Punk. Fans interpreted it as a reference to Punk’s past injuries and his habit of wearing shirts during matches.
This jab stems from their heated rivalry, which peaked in 2024 when Punk cost McIntyre a title shot at Clash at the Castle in Scotland. The two have traded barbs ever since, including intense promos and physical confrontations.
Punk, now the World Heavyweight Champion, responded subtly in recent interviews, paying tribute to McIntyre while keeping the tension alive. Wrestling insiders speculate this could lead to a major matchup at WrestleMania 42.
The online buzz exploded, with millions of views on related posts across platforms.
- Key moments in McIntyre-Punk rivalry: Punk’s referee interference in 2024; McIntyre’s brutal attack on Punk in Chicago; Their Hell in a Cell clash at Bad Blood.
Impact on WWE’s Current Landscape
McIntyre’s shade adds fuel to WWE’s storytelling, keeping fans hooked on personal feuds. As champion, he now headlines SmackDown, potentially facing challengers like Rhodes in a rematch.
This development ties into broader WWE trends, such as international tours and crossover appeal. Recent data shows WWE viewership up 15 percent in 2025, driven by stars like McIntyre.
Analysts predict this rivalry could boost pay-per-view buys for events like Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026.
| Event | Date | Key Highlight | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SmackDown in Berlin | January 9, 2026 | McIntyre wins WWE Championship | 15,000+ |
| Glasgow Live Event | January 10, 2026 | McIntyre’s homecoming as champion | 10,500 |
| Upcoming Royal Rumble | January 31, 2026 | Potential McIntyre vs. Punk buildup | Projected 50,000 |
What Fans Are Saying and Future Predictions
Social media lit up with reactions to McIntyre’s post, with many praising his wit and others defending Punk. One fan commented that this feud is the best since the Attitude Era.
Experts believe McIntyre’s reign could last through summer, depending on storylines. With WWE expanding globally, more tours like this one in Scotland might follow.
This moment entertains while building anticipation for what’s next in wrestling.
What do you think about McIntyre’s shade toward Punk? Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass this article along to fellow WWE fans for more discussion.
