WWE Champion Drew McIntyre Exposes Real-Life Animosity Toward CM Punk
In a stunning revelation that blurs the lines between scripted entertainment and genuine hostility, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has detailed the authentic animosity he holds for fellow superstar CM Punk. The Scottish Warrior, who has publicly clashed with the World Heavyweight Champion for years, confirmed that their on-screen tension is rooted in real-life dislike.
'We Genuinely Don't Like Each Other'
Speaking exclusively to Metro, McIntyre - who recently learned he'll defend his WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on SmackDown - didn't mince words about his relationship with Punk. 'That's what made it work, and I guess made it compelling TV, is we genuinely don't like each other,' McIntyre stated bluntly.
'People can feel that, but at the same time, we're two of the top players in the industry, and we can take that real-life motivation, which is genuine, not even method acting, it's just truth, and put it into the performance,' he explained. 'And people are like, "Wow, this feels real!" And the reason it feels real is because it is real.'
Silent Treatment Outside the Ring
The hostility extends beyond their in-ring performances. McIntyre revealed that when they're not actively wrestling each other, communication between the two champions is nonexistent. 'Being around each other, at shows, if we're not actually wrestling each other, it's fine because we don't talk to each other,' he said.
Despite this cold silence, McIntyre expressed a desire for more confrontation. 'I would love for him to talk, and I'd love for him to push my buttons, because I just stomp his stupid a**e,' the WWE Champion added with characteristic bravado.
Historic Hell In A Cell Match
Despite their personal issues, the two superstars delivered what many consider a match of the year candidate at Bad Blood 2024 inside Hell In A Cell. This brutal encounter has been immortalized in WWE 2K26's Showcase mode, serving as a testament to their ability to channel personal animosity into professional excellence.
'It did a lot for both of us,' McIntyre acknowledged, though he couldn't resist taking a jab at Punk's self-promotion. 'And I see Punk come on about, "I just seem to bring the best of everybody, I'm CM Punk. I'm the greatest," tooting his own horn constantly.'
The Scottish star contrasted their approaches: 'It's what he does, these Charles Manson-like qualities, and people believe it, but I'm Drew McIntyre. I tell the truth. The truth is, it did bring the best out of me, but at the same time, it brought the best out of him, and it brought the real CM Punk back.'
Behind the Scenes Collaboration
A significant factor in their successful matches has been WWE producer Chris Park, better known as Abyss from TNA Wrestling. McIntyre praised the veteran's contributions, noting he specifically requests Park for his matches.
'I always request him every single time. We always work together. He knows how to work with Drew because I can get a little bit scatterbrained,' McIntyre laughed. 'Chris is always on the ball. He knows what I do in the ring; he's always got great ideas. So Chris is my number one agent.'
Origins of the Feud
The current animosity traces back to the 2024 Royal Rumble, where McIntyre accidentally legitimately injured Punk. This incident left the Scottish star to 'hold it together by myself' until Punk recovered physically.
McIntyre didn't hold back in his assessment of his rival's character. '[I had] unlimited material to work with, because he's a gift. He keeps on giving because he's such a horrible, horrible human being,' he deadpanned. 'When he came back, I prodded him for a reason, because I wanted the real CM Punk to come back.'
Leadership in the Locker Room
Away from the drama with Punk, McIntyre emphasized his commitment to leadership through example. He reflected on his journey a decade ago when he was fired from WWE and returned to the Scottish independent scene, determined to work harder than anyone else.
'I tried to lead by example, by just being the hardest worker on the roster, and if anybody had, you know, questions, I was always there to answer,' he explained. 'I'm not going to force my opinion on you. If you come to me, I'll give you my opinion. But if I see you bringing the show down, I'm the first one on the scene.'
Fellow Scottish wrestler Joe Hendry recently compared McIntyre to The Undertaker in terms of locker room respect - a comparison McIntyre happily accepts, noting he grew up around the legendary wrestler who served as his mentor.
Future Showdown and Gaming Legacy
Despite everything, McIntyre remains open to one more match with CM Punk to definitively determine WWE's top star. 'He's currently got the second best title, and he's on the run of his life, and I've got the main title,' McIntyre smirked. 'It kind of worked out for both of us.'
He added with a pop culture reference: 'But inevitably, I would love to get that match once again so I can right what once went wrong, like Dr Sam Beckett in Quantum Leap.'
As WWE 2K26 prepares for its March 13 release featuring CM Punk on the cover, McIntyre suggested his own Showcase mode could focus on his pandemic-era matches. 'Let's force everybody to go to the pandemic era,' he laughed. 'You're gonna fight matches with no crowd, you're gonna fight matches in front of screens. You don't want to remember it happened, [but] I had so many significant matches - even though I'm making up for last time.'
