Drew McIntyre is being advertised for tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown, which could indicate his post-WrestleMania 42 hiatus may be coming to an end ahead of next weekend’s Clash in Italy PLE.
McIntyre is listed on WWE’s official website as a featured talent for the Friday night broadcast, though WWE’s standard advertising disclaimer notes that featured and announced talents are often subject to change. McIntyre is also featured on the official poster for the May 29 SmackDown in Barcelona, the final stop on the SmackDown schedule before Clash in Italy on May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin.
McIntyre last appeared on WWE TV at WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match. Fatu has since moved up the card to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship, with the two set to rematch at Clash in Italy after their initial bout at Backlash.
McIntyre’s hiatus was reportedly tied to filming the Highlander reboot, in which he is set to play a key role. The film is targeted for a 2027 release date. Whether the filming has wrapped completely or whether McIntyre is just taking a break from set has not been disclosed.
The film is being directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick franchise) and stars Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod. McIntyre is one of several wrestler-actors cast in the film. The 2027 release date gives WWE flexibility to work around any remaining production obligations.
He won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes in January, ending Rhodes’ lengthy first reign as the company’s top champion. McIntyre held the title for 55 days before dropping it back to Rhodes, with Jacob Fatu’s interference being the decisive factor in the title-changing finish. The Fatu involvement set up the unsanctioned WrestleMania 42 match where Fatu pinned McIntyre.
Cody Rhodes vs GUNTHER for the Undisputed WWE Championship and Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship are the top bouts on the Clash in Italy card. WWE has not confirmed McIntyre’s participation in Clash in Italy or any specific match. T
