Bully Ray Questions WWE's Handling of drew mcintyre After Title Turn
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has voiced confusion and frustration over how creative is treating Drew McIntyre, even after the Scottish veteran captured a major world title early in 2026. Ray’s comments spotlight a tension between backstage decisions and a talent’s on-screen momentum as new challengers emerge on SmackDown.
Bully Ray blasts creative choices around McIntyre
On a recent radio appearance, Bully Ray made plain his bewilderment with the direction afforded to McIntyre despite the champion’s recent accomplishments. He questioned why the company would diminish the champion, the title and an entire brand, and repeatedly summed up his reaction with a blunt mantra: “I don’t know. ”
Ray pointed to a sequence of creative decisions that left him puzzled, including a promo he liked that seemed undermined by surrounding storytelling. He emphasized that McIntyre had just eliminated the company’s biggest babyface from the Royal Rumble—even when McIntyre technically wasn’t in that match—and yet the champion and the championship still felt diminished in the larger presentation. Ray used a colorful analogy, calling the pattern “like a toxic girlfriend, ” to underline how damaging inconsistent booking can appear.
What McIntyre has earned — and what he still faces
The criticism comes after a dramatic start to 2026 for McIntyre. At the beginning of the season he surprised many by defeating Cody Rhodes in Berlin to capture a major world title, a crowning moment after months of frustration and hard work. That victory was followed by continued rivalry with Rhodes, and McIntyre later eliminated him during the Royal Rumble held in Saudi Arabia, further escalating their conflict.
Industry observers note a likely continuation of that program into spring, with a high-profile rematch rumored for WrestleMania 42. McIntyre’s path to the top has been painted as the payoff for years of dedication and a recent run of strong work, yet Bully Ray’s comments suggest that the way the company is presenting those successes on television is not resonating with everyone who watches the show from the inside.
SmackDown heat and fresh challengers complicate the picture
Compounding the tension are new voices and rising threats on SmackDown. On the Feb. 6, 2026 (ET) episode of SmackDown, Trick Williams interrupted McIntyre and delivered a direct challenge, making it clear his aim is the top spot rather than any grudge against the champion personally. Williams told McIntyre: “I’m coming for your spot. Let’s talk. ”
Williams’ posture — respectful but relentless — captures a larger creative dynamic: established stars with hard-earned momentum are being forced to fend off hungry, fast-rising challengers while creative choices shape who ultimately looks powerful on TV. Bully Ray’s comments amplify the critique that inconsistent booking can undercut both champions and brands, no matter how impressive a performer’s real-world accomplishments might be.
For McIntyre, the immediate future appears to be a gauntlet of high-profile matches and promotional friction. Fans and commentators will be watching closely to see if the creative team comes full circle and builds on the momentum of the Berlin victory, or if the champion’s status will remain muddled by inconsistent presentation. With WrestleMania season approaching, the answers will arrive quickly and carry major consequences for McIntyre, his challengers and the broader brand dynamics he now represents.
