Drew McIntyre has penned a new contract with WWE as well as netting a major congratulatory gift from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
The Scot’s contract with the grappling powerhouse had been running close to its end, despite his continued high-profile billing on screen.
McIntyre won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania but his reign only lasted a matter of minutesCredit: WWE
It now seems speculation over his future can be put to bed with news from The Rock himself – a board member of WWE’s parent company TKO – reaching out to congratulate McIntyre on penning fresh terms.
A contract extension might well be cause enough for celebration its own, but the Ayr native has double the reason to party after a generous gift from The People’s Champ.
A video posted on Johnson’s social media platforms showed McIntyre seated at a table, being presented by a shimmering claymore – a sword of Scottish origin with heritage dating back to the eighteenth century.
A surprised McIntyre stood to receive the stunning present and read an accompanying note, presumably from the Hollywood megastar.
The Moana actor explained the gift in the caption accompanying the video, explaining: “Man of my word. As you’re a man of yours – Congratulations Drew McIntyre on signing your new WWE deal.
“As we talked about after your #WrestleMania match, I know this Scottish Claymore represents everything that you, your family and your country embody.”
The Claymore has long been a part of McIntyre’s WWE act and is even the name given to the star’s in-ring finishing move.
The Rock added: “As you know, I wanted to personally hand deliver this gift to you at your meeting with Nick Khan, but I had warm cheat meals and chilled tequila waiting for me.
Dwayne Johnson is a member of the TKO Board, and returned to the wrestling ring at WrestleMania last monthCredit: WWE
“Congrats again brother and cheers to hunger, passion, climbing that mountain and always entertaining our fans.”
The strapping Scot has enjoyed a memorable last few years in WWE, including a stunning spell during the COVID Pandemic that saw him carry the company forward after doors were closed on fans attending live events.
He captured the WWE Championship in what was effectively an empty television studio at their Performance Center training facility, downing Brock Lesnar in the event.
In 2022 he headlined WWE’s first stadium show in the UK since 1992, a crowd of over 60,000 packing into Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for Clash at the Castle as he came up short against Roman Reigns.
He followed that with an epic showing against Sheamus and Gunther for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania last year, their triple-threat encounter handed the coveted five-star rating by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Man of my word 🗡️ 🏴
As you’re a man of yours – Congratulations @DMcIntyreWWE on signing your new @wwe deal.
As we talked about after your #WrestleMania match, I know this Scottish Claymore represents everything that you, your family and your country embody.
Alba gu bràth 🗡️… pic.twitter.com/mmcPGrzIYP
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 28, 2024
McIntyre’s momentum continued into 2024; he successfully snared the World Heavyweight Championship from Seth Rollins at WrestleMania XL, but his reign was ended a mere five minutes later courtesy of a Money in the Bank cash-in by Damian Priest.
Tying up to a new, long-term deal is undoubtedly a boost to WWE, with Fightful Select reporting of the contract: “WWE finally reached out to extend Drew McIntyre’s deal in March, and it was finalised recently.
The outlet added: “[There] was a lot of back and forth and McIntyre was happy with the outcome and how it affects his family.
McIntyre was presented with the lavish gift from Johnson after signing a new contract with WWE.Credit: WWE
“[We’re] told it is a multi-year, big money deal as many of the new contracts will be. We’re told more are expected to be finished or announced.”
