Drew McIntyre has been moved to SmackDown from Raw because of the lack of credible contenders for the Universal champion Roman Reigns, according to latest reports. Dave Meltzer noted on the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the Scottish psychopath is next in line for a shot at Reigns after his match with Brock Lesnar. This rivalry will likely begin around December:
”McIntyre was moved over since Roman Reigns desperately needs a new opponent, and on paper right now there is essentially nobody else for him. Plus, McIntyre goes over with multiple losses at the end of his Raw run and presumably another to Big E, and then will become Reigns’ big contender probably around December,”
The roster changes announced during Draft are expected to take effect after the Crown Jewel PPV. Drew McIntyre will be facing Big E for the WWE title at the show on October 21. Roman Reigns on the other hand will be defending his Universal title against The Beast Incarnate. A title change at the show seems improbable.
Survivor Series on November 22 will follow Crown Jewel. If WWE follows the tradition we will see a clash between the two world champions in Reigns and Big E at the PPV. This means Reigns will not be ready for his next challenger until after. It’s only logical that his feud with Drew McIntyre will commence in late November or early December.
The Rock’s rumored Survivor Series return is a factor that can affect these plans. Though the head of the table has shown that he can handle multiple feuds at the same time. With the Roman Reigns vs. The Rock match not expected until WrestleMania, it seems less likely that it will affect the plans for Drew in any way.
