Drew McIntyre attacked Damian Priest backstage during the March 7 episode of SmackDown. The assault came after Priest prevented McIntyre from earning a WrestleMania championship opportunity for the second time.
McIntyre was filmed entering the arena at the beginning of SmackDown when he spotted Priest and immediately launched an attack. The confrontation appears to be a direct response to the events at the Elimination Chamber premium live event.
😱😱😱@DMcIntyreWWE just ambushed @ArcherOfInfamy! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/9Azs8GUvrb
— WWE (@WWE) March 8, 2025
McIntyre had been pursuing a return to the world championship picture for several months. His first opportunity came at the Royal Rumble, where he was considered one of the favorites to win the match and earn a title shot at WrestleMania.
During the Rumble match, Priest eliminated McIntyre, derailing his first chance at securing a WrestleMania championship opportunity. Despite this setback, McIntyre received another chance through the Elimination Chamber match.
At the Elimination Chamber, McIntyre again entered as one of the favorites to win. However, Priest eliminated him first from the match, marking the second time he prevented McIntyre from advancing to a WrestleMania championship match.
The backstage assault on SmackDown clearly indicates McIntyre’s frustration with Priest’s repeated interference in his championship pursuits. The confrontation suggests a developing rivalry between the two competitors.
WWE has not officially announced a match between McIntyre and Priest, but their confrontation points toward a potential showdown in the near future, possibly at WrestleMania.