Drew McIntyre expressed frustration during a backstage interview with Byron Saxton on the March 7 episode of SmackDown, claiming he could have prevented John Cena’s recent actions if not for Damian Priest’s interference.
McIntyre reminded viewers that he had previously warned about Cena’s true character before the Elimination Chamber, where he nearly had an opportunity to eliminate the 16-time world champion.
So many people were so shocked about John Cena’s actions like I didn’t come out on SmackDown last week and tell everyone what kind of person he is. I would have prevented so many people having their heart broken when I Claymore’d him in his big stupid head in the Chamber, but Damian Priest had to slither in and steal the pin from behind, taking away my last chance at the world title at WrestleMania
McIntyre revealed that his frustration led to his attack on Priest backstage before SmackDown began. The incident referenced was captured on camera as McIntyre arrived at the arena and spotted Priest.
The Scottish Warrior explained that he blames Priest for preventing him from main-eventing WrestleMania on two separate occasions. McIntyre first lost his Royal Rumble opportunity when Priest eliminated him, then lost his Elimination Chamber chance when Priest eliminated him first from that match as well.
"Because of Priest, I got nothing. I got nothing to give, but violence."@DMcIntyreWWE is setting on a path of destruction during this Road to #WrestleMania… 😬#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/eZZbq1F1OT
— WWE (@WWE) March 8, 2025
McIntyre made it clear that he now intends to focus his aggression on Priest moving forward.
Unprovoked? I call it well-deserved. We’re on the path to WrestleMania and because of Priest, I’ve got nothing. I’ve got nothing to give but violence
The confrontation between McIntyre and Priest appears to be building toward a potential match at WrestleMania 41, though WWE has not officially confirmed this bout.