SPOILER: Drew McIntyre returns during WWE SmackDown tapings

The former World Champion is back on WWE TV

The Scottish Warrior is back and he’s got unfinished business. After being sidelined for two months with injuries sustained in a brutal Steel Cage match against Damian Priest, Drew McIntyre has officially made his WWE return.

The former WWE Champion appeared during the pre-recorded July 4, 2025, episode of SmackDown, which was taped earlier this week in Pittsburgh. While his comeback wasn’t advertised in advance, the moment immediately ignited buzz across the WWE Universe.

Drew McIntyre’s return couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time. With Cody Rhodes winning the 2025 King of the Ring tournament and Randy Orton still a top contender on SmackDown, the timing of his comeback and the stars he targeted suggest a major storyline is already brewing.

During the segment, McIntyre didn’t waste words. He called out both Orton and Rhodes, hinting that his next move could reshape WWE’s main event picture heading into SummerSlam.

Drew McIntyre returns from injury after brutal Steel Cage match

Fans last saw Drew McIntyre being helped out of the arena in April after a grueling Steel Cage bout against then-U.S. Champion Damian Priest. Reports at the time suggested fractured ribs and a shoulder injury, sidelining the Scottish star just as he seemed primed for another singles push.

With two months of recovery behind him, McIntyre stepped back into the spotlight this week, making a surprise appearance backstage during SmackDown. No music. No match. Just words and they packed a punch.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown SPOILERS & Results for July 4, 2025 episode

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton now have company

In his return promo, McIntyre referenced both Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, two names at the top of the SmackDown food chain.

Drew McIntyre returns during #SmackDown July 4 tapings!McIntyre vs Randy Orton has been announced for #SNME#WWE pic.twitter.com/6WvN3YCBSQ

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) July 1, 2025

The statement may have seemed subtle to some, but to longtime fans, it was a shot fired. McIntyre appears ready to re-enter the title picture, and Rhodes’ SummerSlam world title opportunity may now have a looming threat attached to it.

Orton, who has his own legacy and unfinished business with McIntyre, could also find himself drawn back into a heated rivalry. Either way, it looks like McIntyre’s comeback is anything but passive.

What’s next for the Scottish Warrior?

Just after his surprise return, WWE dropped another bombshell: Drew McIntyre will face Randy Orton at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The bout was made official after McIntyre tried to provoke a fight between Orton and Cody Rhodes during their post-King of the Ring moment of mutual respect, only to eat an emphatic RKO for his trouble.

Their history runs deep. McIntyre and Orton first ignited a feud during the summer of 2020, when the Scottish star successfully defended the WWE Championship against Orton at SummerSlam. Now, nearly five years later, the two heavy-hitters are set to clash once again with redemption and momentum on the line.

For Orton, it’s a chance to bounce back after high-profile losses to John Cena and Cody Rhodes. For McIntyre, it’s an opportunity to remind the WWE Universe and the locker room that he’s ready to dominate the main event scene once again.

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