Bully Ray Questions Booking as drew mcintyre Claims World Title and Faces New Threats
Wrestling’s power dynamics are shifting early in 2026, and one veteran isn’t shy about voicing frustration. Bully Ray has publicly questioned recent booking decisions surrounding the new world champion, drew mcintyre, as the Scottish star settles into a headline spotlight that has drawn both praise and scrutiny.
Veteran Wrestler Calls Out Confusing Messaging
Bully Ray expressed bewilderment this week over how management has handled McIntyre’s push, particularly in the aftermath of the title victory that closed the curtain on the off-season. Ray noted that the champion’s recent portrayal has at times undercut the prestige of the title and the brand it represents. "This didn't make sense. I don't know why you're burying the other guy who's your champion and the other brand, " he said, using stark language to highlight a disconnect between creative presentation and championship stature.
Ray also pointed to a puzzling promo direction that seemed at odds with McIntyre’s recent on-screen dominance, including a high-profile win over Cody Rhodes in Berlin that culminated in a world title change. That moment, staged at the start of 2026, was widely viewed as a career-defining achievement for McIntyre and a signal that the company intended to center him as a top draw heading into spring.
Despite Ray’s criticism, he acknowledged the champion's work ethic and appeal. He stressed that the frustration lay with inconsistent booking choices rather than the performer himself: "I'm sorry to repeat myself a little bit. I don't know why you go out of your way to bury Drew, the championship, and SmackDown.... It's like a toxic girlfriend. " The blunt comparison underscored Ray’s belief that presentation matters as much as the win column.
New Contenders and Inter-Brand Pressure Complicate the Picture
McIntyre’s coronation has not come without new challenges. On the Feb. 6 episode (ET) a rising star interrupted the champion’s address and made it clear the top spot is not guaranteed. Trick Williams, riding momentum after several notable victories, framed his interruption not as a personal vendetta but as a positional challenge: he wants the role McIntyre currently occupies.
Williams described the potential matchup as a clash of alpha competitors, making a direct play for headline status on the brand. He praised McIntyre’s charisma and physicality while insisting he will not wait in line: "Drew, I'm coming for your spot. Let's talk. " That kind of open challenge raises immediate stakes for McIntyre, who is balancing inter-brand rivalries, lingering feuds with other marquee names, and the pressure of defending a world title that many feel needs bolstering through presentation and meaningful challengers.
Meanwhile, the long-running program with Cody Rhodes shows signs of continuing into WrestleMania season. The pair’s recent encounters, including a Royal Rumble elimination during the show staged in Saudi Arabia, set up a potential marquee match in the spring. Promoters and creative teams now face the twin tasks of protecting McIntyre’s momentum and ensuring each title defense reinforces the championship’s credibility.
What’s Next for the Scottish Warrior?
For McIntyre, the coming months are pivotal. He has earned respect for carrying himself professionally and pushing through physical limits to reach this peak, but sustaining that status will depend heavily on consistent storytelling and the quality of challengers he faces. If booking stabilizes and rivalries like the one with Cody are given clear, elevated stakes, the champion could solidify his reign as one of the defining runs of his career.
Alternatively, continued mixed messaging could undermine the momentum of a hard-won title reign and fuel the exact criticisms veterans like Bully Ray are airing. With WrestleMania on the horizon, decisions made now will determine whether drew mcintyre’s world title becomes a centerpiece for the year or a short-lived chapter in a turbulent creative cycle.
