Drew McIntyre Forms New Alliance on SmackDown

Drew McIntyre continued his pursuit of Damian Priest on SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain. The ongoing feud between the two former World Champions intensified after Priest eliminated McIntyre from this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match and later prevented him from earning a WrestleMania opportunity in the Elimination Chamber.

The episode, which will air on tape delay in the United States, featured Damian Priest competing against Shinsuke Nakamura in a singles match. Priest originally wanted to face McIntyre following a pre-taped segment where The Scottish Warrior called him out.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis informed Priest that McIntyre had left the building earlier. Nakamura stepped up to challenge Priest, who accepted the match after his intended opponent was reportedly unavailable.

The match between Priest and Nakamura progressed well until McIntyre made a surprising appearance. Despite Aldis stating he had departed the venue, McIntyre had actually remained in the building and attempted to cost Priest his match.

Priest managed to counter Nakamura’s Kinshasa attempt with the South of Heaven, but McIntyre immediately jumped him. During the ensuing brawl between McIntyre and Priest, Nakamura delivered a Kinshasa to Priest.

Nakamura then stared down McIntyre before leaving the ring, allowing The Scottish Warrior to continue his attack on Priest. This interaction suggested a potential alliance between McIntyre and Nakamura could be forming.

Reports have circulated that Nakamura’s time with WWE might be ending, though wrestling journalist Bill Apter has cast doubt on these claims. If Nakamura is departing, this match could be one of his final appearances for the company.

However, if Nakamura remains with WWE, the interaction with McIntyre potentially indicates the beginning of a partnership between the two against their common adversary, Damian Priest.