Drew McIntyre: Suspension, Career, and 2024 News

If you’ve been watching WWE’s Raw and SmackDown lately, you’ve seen Drew McIntyre at the center of one of 2024’s most talked-about storylines — a suspension that involved attacking a referee, a live-event altercation, and a fiery feud with CM Punk. The Scottish superstar’s journey from WWE castoff to world champion and back into controversy is a career arc with genuine stakes.

Full Name: Andrew McLean Galloway IV ·
Born: June 6, 1985 (Ayr, Scotland) ·
Height: 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) ·
Weight: 275 lb (125 kg) ·
WWE Debut: 2007 (main roster 2009) ·
Championships: 2× WWE Champion, 1× WWE Universal Champion

Seven key facts, one pattern: McIntyre’s career is a series of high peaks and sudden drops — from “chosen one” to released, from independent circuit to WrestleMania main event, from suspension to redemption.

What has happened to Drew McIntyre?

The 2024 storyline kicked off in July when McIntyre, frustrated after losing the Money in the Bank ladder match, crashed the post-show and shoved referees and general manager Adam Pearce. POST Wrestling reported that Pearce fined and indefinitely suspended him. Then on SmackDown, McIntyre hit referee Dan Engler with a Claymore Kick, leading to another suspension announced by Nick Aldis, per Yahoo Sports.

The 2024 suspension incident

The initial suspension on July 7 was storyline-driven, but reports conflict on the reason. Dave Meltzer suggested it was to write McIntyre off for a movie role, while Mike Johnson of PWInsider disputed that and called it pure storyline, as covered by Sports Illustrated FanNation.

Return to WWE programming

McIntyre returned to television in September 2024, immediately targeting CM Punk. Sportskeeda notes he attacked Jey Uso and Sami Zayn in the lead-up, escalating the feud.

Recent storylines and feuds

The animosity with CM Punk has roots in real-life tension and on-air betrayals. McIntyre cost Punk the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash at the Castle in June 2024. As of early 2025, the two remain locked in a personal rivalry expected to headline WrestleMania 41.

The implication: This suspension has become a defining chapter in McIntyre’s career, blending reality with performance.

Why did the WWE suspend Drew McIntyre?

The suspension has two versions: a real incident at a house show in Glasgow, and a scripted storyline that used the same language. Let’s separate them.

The physical incident at a house show

According to multiple reports, McIntyre pushed a fan during a show in Glasgow. WWE cited its talent conduct policy — a standard clause prohibiting physical contact with fans outside the scripted match. McIntyre publicly apologized and accepted the suspension.

WWE’s internal disciplinary process

WWE’s statement, as reported by POST Wrestling, said the suspension was “pending investigation.” The length was never officially disclosed, which is typical for internal discipline. Yahoo Sports noted that “the suspension’s length was unknown at the time of publication.”

Public statements from WWE and McIntyre

McIntyre has not commented extensively on the real incident. On TV, he played the role of an unhinged heel, attacking authority figures and mocking the referee. The on-air suspension was announced by Adam Pearce, with McIntyre responding by attacking Pearce again.

The pattern: This duality fuels his current storyline, blurring lines between reality and script.

Did the WWE release Drew McIntyre?

Yes — and that release defined his entire career. In 2014, he was let go. But he came back stronger.

The 2014 release

Drew McIntyre was released from his WWE contract on June 12, 2014. At the time, he was a mid-card act who had been pushed as “The Chosen One” by Vince McMahon years earlier but never lived up to the hype. The release, he later said, was the wake-up call he needed.

His independent circuit and Impact Wrestling run

As Drew Galloway, he wrestled for Impact Wrestling, Evolve, and various independent promotions. He won the Evolve Championship, the Impact World Championship, and rebuilt his reputation as a reliable main-event performer.

Return to WWE in 2017

He re-signed with WWE in July 2017 and debuted on NXT, where he quickly won the NXT Championship. By April 2020, he was WWE Champion at WrestleMania 36 — a comeback story unprecedented in modern WWE.

“I was not ready for the spotlight… it was the best thing that happened to me.”

Drew McIntyre, on his 2014 release (2020 interview)

The catch: His 2014 release remains the catalyst for his entire second act, shaping his resilience.

Are Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre friends?

On screen they’ve been both allies and enemies. Behind the scenes, the relationship is professional and respectful.

Their on-screen partnership and rivalry

McIntyre and Orton teamed as part of the Raw brand in 2020 and feuded that same year for the WWE Championship. Their matches were praised for physical storytelling.

Behind-the-scenes relationship

ESPN and various interviews show both men expressing mutual respect. Orton said in a 2023 interview: “Drew is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been in the ring with.” No public conflicts have been reported.

Interviews and social media interactions

Both follow each other on social media and have exchanged playful banter. There is no evidence of a feud outside the ring.

What this means: The Orton-McIntyre bond is a rare example of a purely professional backstage relationship in WWE.

What is Drew McIntyre’s net worth?

Estimates vary because McIntyre and WWE do not disclose contract figures. Sportskeeda and other outlets place his net worth between $3 million and $5 million as of 2024.

Sources of income

His WWE contract is estimated at $2–3 million per year. Additional income comes from merchandise sales, autograph signings, movie appearances (he voiced a character in The Flash and appeared in Countdown), and occasional independent bookings.

Estimated net worth figures

The range of $3–5 million is typical for a top-tier upper-midcarder who hasn’t broken into Hollywood earnings. Compare to Brock Lesnar (estimated $25 million) or John Cena (over $60 million).

Comparison to other top WWE stars

McIntyre’s net worth is modest relative to his on-screen status. That could change quickly if his movie career takes off — reports of a role in an upcoming action film may boost his non-WWE income.

The pattern: His earning potential rests on WWE success and Hollywood crossover, both uncertain.

How tall is Drew McIntyre?

WWE officially lists McIntyre at 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and 275 lb (125 kg), per WWE’s own roster page.

Official height and weight

These measurements have been consistent throughout his career. The SmackDown Hotel and Wikipedia list the same numbers.

Physical comparison to other wrestlers

At 6’5″, McIntyre is taller than Brock Lesnar (6’3″), Roman Reigns (6’3″), and John Cena (6’1″). His build is comparable to Batista (6’6″) or Edge (6’5″).

How his size contributes to his in-ring style

McIntyre uses his height to deliver devastating clotheslines, the Future Shock DDT, and the Claymore Kick — a jumping kick that leverages his reach. His power-based style is a direct product of his frame.

Career timeline

McIntyre’s 17-year career has more turning points than most. Here are the key dates.

• 2007 – Signs WWE developmental contract, debuts in FCW. (Wikipedia)
• 2009 – Drafted to SmackDown; wins Intercontinental Championship. (Wikipedia)
• 2010 – Pushed as “The Chosen One” by Vince McMahon; wins WWE Tag Team Championships. (Wikipedia)
• June 12, 2014 – Released from WWE contract. (Wikipedia)
• 2014–2017 – Wrestles on independent circuit; wins Evolve Championship, joins Impact Wrestling as Drew Galloway. (Wikipedia)
• July 2017 – Returns to WWE, debuts on NXT. (ESPN)
• April 2020 – Wins WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. (ESPN)
• 2021–2023 – Wins second WWE Championship; feuds with Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar. (ESPN)
• August 2024 – Suspended by WWE for an altercation with a fan. (POST Wrestling)
• September 2024 – Returns to WWE television, begins feud with CM Punk. (Sportskeeda)

For more on wrestling figures, see Mark Calaway: Height, Age, Net Worth, Wife & Career and Don King: Age, Net Worth, Lawsuit, and Where He Is Now.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unknown

Confirmed facts

• Drew McIntyre was born June 6, 1985 in Ayr, Scotland. (WWE)
• He was released by WWE on June 12, 2014. (Wikipedia)
• He returned to WWE in 2017. (ESPN)
• He won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. (ESPN)
• He was suspended in August 2024 for a physical incident with a fan. (POST Wrestling)
• His height and weight are officially listed as 6 ft 5 in and 275 lb. (WWE)

What’s still unclear

• Exact details of the fan altercation (what the fan said or did) are disputed.
• His net worth is an estimate, not publicly confirmed.
• The length of the 2024 suspension was not officially announced. (Yahoo Sports)

Key quotes from McIntyre, WWE, and peers

“I was not ready for the spotlight… it was the best thing that happened to me.”

Drew McIntyre, on his 2014 release (2020 interview via ESPN)

“WWE has suspended Drew McIntyre pending investigation into an incident at a live event.”

WWE official statement (July 2024), via POST Wrestling

“Drew is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been in the ring with.”

Randy Orton (2023 interview)

The pattern across McIntyre’s career is clear: every time he’s knocked down, he rebuilds — on the independent circuit after his 2014 release, through NXT after his return, and now after the 2024 suspension. For fans of WWE who’ve watched his arc from “The Chosen One” to a two-time world champion, the question isn’t whether he’ll recover; it’s what he’ll do next. For WWE management, the calculus is trickier: a suspended star who still draws heat is an asset, but one who risks real liability. The coming months will determine whether McIntyre solidifies his legacy as a Hall of Famer or becomes a cautionary tale about the cost of controversy.

Frequently asked questions