Drew McIntyre Wants To Face Major WWE Star After Dethroning Cody Rhodes

The Scottish Warrior could get his title opportunity at Wrestlepalooza, which takes place on September 21, given WWE is counter-programming AEW's All Out PPV. A McIntyre and Rhodes match isn't the only headline match many expect to see take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

John Cena is set to headline the revived former ECW PPV by facing longtime rival Brock Lesnar, who hasn't been seen since returning at SummerSlam. The Beast made a controversial return and attacked Cena at the end of the two-night PLE.

McIntyre was asked for his thoughts about Lesnar and what his future holds in WWE (via @adamglyn on TikTok): "I don't know (if Brock is here to stay). I know him and Cena, when it happens, it's gonna be a big one."

The Scot alluded to defeating the former UFC heavyweight to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36: "If he wants to get even with Drew McIntyre since I beat him for my first world title at WrestleMania... who knows maybe he'll come chasing after Drew McIntyre next and I welcome the Beast when I'm champions of he wants to challenge me for the title."

McIntyre and Lesnar have a storied history that dates back to the 2020 Royal Rumble. The Beast had thrown 13 competitors over the top rope in a remarkable display of his power, but with the help of Ricochet, the Scottish Warrior hit a Claymore Kick to eliminate him from the match.

This helped ignite the Scot's main event push, and he'd go on to win the Rumble before facing Lesnar for the world title at Mania. Their feud was one of the highlights of WWE television during the COVID-19 pandemic, and McIntyre's big win came in the Performance Center in front of no fans.

Drew McIntyre: Brock Lesnar Believed In Me During 3MB Struggles

Lesnar comes across as a menacing powerhouse who does not care for anyone but himself, especially when hunting for a world title. However, he does have a business mind, and that was evident when he saw the potential in McIntyre long before their WrestleMania 36 match.

McIntyre was once a member of a three-man stable of jobbers known as 3MB, which also included Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal. It was a difficult period of his career as he was nowhere near the main event talent he is today.

The 40-year-old recalled an interaction with Lesnar at the time and how the former 10-time WWE Champion was bemused by his booking. He said back in April 2020 (via Wrestling Attitude): "He pulled me aside, and he straight up asked me, `Why are you involved in this?’ He was so confused, but he saw something in me and believed in me."

McIntyre was released by WWE in 2014 but returned in 2017, eventually becoming one of their top babyfaces by the time he dethroned Lesnar. He alluded to being the one to defeat Lesnar at the Show of Shows, given the circumstances: "It’s pretty crazy, all these years later, I was the guy to take the title from him at WrestleMania. Brock is a man’s man. He won’t do business with you if he thinks you’re not doing the job you should be doing."

Lesnar and McIntyre are both heels at the moment, so it would be interesting to see how WWE would book a potential feud between them. But returning to their rivalry could right the wrongs of not having their storyline play out in front of fans by the time the Scot beat the Beast.