Drew McIntyre looks like a future Universal Champion on WWE Raw, but Seth Rollins isn’t the only superstar who could draw the “Scottish Psychopath’s” ire.
When he isn’t taking shots at rightfully upset superstars in order to further the arrogance of his on-screen character, Drew McIntyre is drawing mildly disappointing reactions on WWE Raw. One of the top heels in Raw‘s main event scene – if not the top male heel – McIntyre has lost some momentum since arriving on the main roster with a great deal of fanfare.
That said, McIntyre, at his best, is a plus promo who is capable of delivering some memorable matches inside the ring. McIntyre had a strong run as NXT Champion that made wrestling fans optimistic about his run on Raw, as they recalled how good his final title match against Andrade “Cien” Almas was.
Andrade has been traded on Raw to join McIntyre, so there’s a potential revenge angle there. And, of course, McIntyre’s obsession with The Shield, which has now officially disbanded with Dean Ambrose on his way out and Roman Reigns on SmackDown Live, could yield him a Universal Title opportunity.
There are more possible matchups for McIntyre on Monday Night Raw, though, so let’s take a look at five possible feuds that could take place following the 2019 Superstar Shakeup.
AJ Styles
During his feud with John Cena, AJ Styles would refer to himself as “The Face That Runs The Place” in order to get under the the (current) 16-time champion’s skin. Styles’ stock has only risen since getting the better of Cena and Dean Ambrose in rivalries on SmackDown Live, and, another WWE Champion reign later, The Phenomenal One finds himself on Raw for the first time since the brand split in 2016.
Styles made his mark in the Raw main event alongside Reigns and Rollins, helping two-thirds of The Shield against McIntyre and Friends. McIntyre will likely target Styles in a rivalry in order to make a name for himself, but let’s just say I don’t like the odds of “The Chosen One” pulling out the “W” in this hypothetical feud.
Andrade
Known as “El Idolo”, Andrade “Cien” Almas is a future world champion who could very well emerge with the Money in the Bank briefcase in his hands on May 19. Andrade has put together some great matches on the WWE main roster with the likes of AJ Styles and Rey Mysterio, but, despite a couple of opportunities, he hasn’t managed to win the United States Championship or something even more prestigious.
That should change on Monday nights, where Andrade already looks like a major player. After all, he pinned Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor, who moved to SmackDown Live, in a non-title match.
Andrade also pinned Drew McIntyre in what was a title match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames to start an incredible run of matches on WWE’s Third Brand. McIntyre tore his biceps in that match and never returned to NXT, but he’ll have a golden opportunity to get his long-awaited revenge against Andrade.
And McIntyre is certainly a vengeful man.
Rey Mysterio
A WWE Hall of Famer known for being an underdog seems like the perfect target for McIntyre, whose callousness and power could make him the favorite in a brutal match with Rey. McIntyre cuts corners and is everything that Mysterio is not inside the squared circle, and he could write a devious story with Mysterio.
The WWE Universe saw how McIntyre embarrassed Kurt Angle, destroyed Dolph Ziggler, and insulted Roman Reigns. While he couldn’t ultimately get the better of Reigns, who disposed of him easily at WrestleMania 35 before jumping to SmackDown, Mysterio is just a step below Reigns and someone McIntyre is capable of having a statement win against.
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins stands unmatched as the top man on WWE Raw, and it will be exciting to see who his first challengers are. Given the history between Drew McIntyre and Rollins, the Scottish Psychopath could conceivably be that first feud, but because Drew seems like a good bet to win the red belt and has already produced several great matches with Rollins, WWE may want to wait this one out.
Regardless of when or where this match happens, it’s bound to compete for a main event slot on Pay Per View. McIntyre and Rollins are two of the best in the business, and they’ve shown that they have excellent chemistry with each other.
The Miz
Still feuding with Shane McMahon after the former SmackDown Live commissioner picked up the cheapest of victories at WrestleMania 35, The Miz has brought his talents back to Monday Night Raw. Miz manages to make everything he touches feel of the utmost importance, whether that’s the Intercontinental Championship or a rivalry that doesn’t even have a title on the line.
Shane’s best work in years is coming as a heel against a babyface Miz, who has destroyed any doubts that he can be an effective babyface in WWE. The Miz has grown so much as a performer over the years, whether it’s inside the ring or outside of it.
An entitled McIntyre, who stops at nothing to insult others on the roster, would be a good foil for the man-of-the-people character that The Miz has become as a babyface. This could be an intriguing feud that elevates McIntyre on the mic, as Drew has fallen off in the promo department since first making a splash on Raw post-WrestleMania 34.