Drew McIntyre has been officially written off WWE television following a dramatic and chaotic conclusion to the November 7th episode of SmackDown, where General Manager Nick Aldis announced an indefinite suspension for the former WWE Champion. This suspension serves as the storyline reason for McIntyre’s sudden absence from WWE programming.
The On-Screen Incident Leading to Suspension
On the most recent SmackDown, tensions boiled over during the main event match between Aleister Black and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Drew McIntyre made an unexpected interference by delivering a Claymore Kick to the referee, abruptly ending the match in a no contest. A violent brawl ensued involving McIntyre, Rhodes, Black, and later Damian Priest, escalating the chaos in the ring. As the melee continued, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis intervened on the entrance ramp, announcing that McIntyre was suspended indefinitely due to his actions, effectively writing him off television for the foreseeable future[1][4].
The Real Reason Behind McIntyre’s Absence
Behind the scenes, the suspension angle was crafted to cover for McIntyre’s need to take time off from WWE programming. According to wrestling insider Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, McIntyre is stepping away from WWE temporarily to film a major movie[1][2]. The project is reportedly the highly anticipated reboot of Highlander, directed by Chad Stahelski, known for his work with the John Wick franchise. In this new version, McIntyre has been cast as the brother of the lead character, who is played by Henry Cavill, famous for The Witcher and Superman roles.
The movie is a significant Hollywood endeavor involving other wrestling stars as well. Dave Batista, another former WWE Superstar, has also been confirmed to join the cast. Batista detailed his intense preparation for the role, including stunt training, swordfight choreography, and physical conditioning, with filming scheduled to begin in late November 2025. McIntyre’s filming commitments likely mirror this rigorous schedule, explaining the necessity of his WWE hiatus[2].
What This Means for WWE Storylines
McIntyre’s absence leaves a gap in ongoing WWE narratives, especially given his recent involvement in the title scene and feuds with top stars like Cody Rhodes. WWE has used his suspension storyline to keep fans engaged while creating anticipation for his eventual return. Sources close to WWE have indicated that creative is positioning McIntyre for a major comeback once he completes his film commitments, likely integrating his Hollywood exposure to boost his star power in WWE.
A WWE insider shared: “This suspension angle was devised quickly but effectively. Drew’s star is on the rise, both in wrestling and now in movies. WWE sees this as a win-win — protecting Drew on-screen while elevating his brand globally. When he returns, expect a bigger push that capitalizes on his crossover appeal.”[1]
Drew McIntyre’s Film Career: A Growing Trend Among Wrestlers
McIntyre is joining a growing list of WWE Superstars who are branching out into acting. The intersection between wrestling and Hollywood continues to strengthen as performers seek to expand their careers beyond the squared circle. Prospects like John Cena, Dave Bautista, and now McIntyre are successfully transitioning to mainstream film roles, which not only offers them financial opportunities but also raises their profiles, benefiting WWE’s brand by association.
His role in Highlander marks a major step, especially with such an influential director and a high-profile cast including Henry Cavill. The film’s action-heavy nature suits McIntyre’s physicality and charisma, making it a fitting project to showcase his talents outside wrestling[2].
Timeline and What to Expect Next
Filming for Highlander is set to commence around the end of November 2025, and McIntyre’s suspension storyline on WWE TV is expected to last through at least the winter period. WWE typically keeps suspensions and absences flexible based on real-life schedules, so fans can likely expect his return sometime in early-to-mid 2026.
During this time, WWE creative will focus on advancing other storylines and utilizing McIntyre’s allies or rivals to maintain momentum in the main event scene. Given McIntyre’s former status as WWE Champion and his strong fanbase, his eventual comeback will be highly anticipated and promoted heavily.
Drew McIntyre’s WWE suspension as seen on SmackDown was a storyline designed with real-world commitments in mind. His move into Hollywood with Highlander cements his evolution from one of WWE’s top stars into a cross-media entertainer, mirroring the path taken by several of his predecessors. WWE insiders confirm that while his television absence is temporary, his return will mark a renewed chapter in his career, potentially with enhanced storylines that leverage his increased mainstream recognition.
As WWE fans await his return, all eyes are also on the Highlander reboot, which promises to be a significant cinematic event with several wrestling stars involved, underlining the synergy between pro wrestling and Hollywood action cinema.