Drew McIntyre Returns WWE Feels Best Health Years

Drew McIntyre returned to WWE television on July 4 after a planned hiatus following his steel cage match loss to Damian Priest in May. During his time off, McIntyre focused on improving his physical condition by hiring a nutritionist, personal trainer, and incorporating rehab and stretching routines, which he credits for feeling better than he has in six or seven years, comparable to his condition before winning the 2020 Royal Rumble. He acknowledged that despite his 2024 success, he had only been giving 65% effort and is now committed to bringing a fully evolved version of himself to the ring. McIntyre interrupted a segment between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes on SmackDown, leading to a confrontation and an upcoming match against Orton scheduled for July 12's Saturday Night’s Main Event. He emphasized that his hiatus was not due to injury but a strategic break to reassess his performance and the WWE product. McIntyre's return marks a renewed determination to reclaim the WWE Championship and continue elevating his in-ring and mic skills.