Backstage Update: Drew McIntyre's Future in WWE Ahead of SummerSlam

An update has emerged on veteran WWE superstar Drew McIntyre and his status for SummerSlam 2026.

McIntyre is one of several notable WWE superstars on a lengthy hiatus, along with CM Punk and Randy Orton. The 41-year-old has been away from WWE television since he lost his unsanctioned match to Jacob Fatu at night one of WrestleMania 42.

The former WWE Champion has been away from the ring to film Highlander, a blockbuster fantasy action film also starring Russell Crowe and Henry Cavill. Initially, it was reported that McIntyre and Orton would both return for SummerSlam 2026 on the Aug. 1-2 weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In an update, Self Made Sessions (h/t Ringside News) reports that McIntyre is unlikely to appear at WWE's second-biggest annual pay-per-view.

"The word now is that he will not be back for SummerSlam," Self Made Sessions said.

This is in line with a report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com on Monday. Johnson reported that McIntyre won't return to WWE "anytime soon," adding that rumors of his return for SummerSlam were "inaccurate."

McIntyre has also been announced for The Last Druid, a historical drama film starring Crowe and Rose Leslie.

Drew McIntyre Has Been a Fixture at the SummerSlam Scene

McIntyre is usually booked for a marquee SummerSlam match, so it'll be interesting to see how WWE will plan this year's show without him.

At SummerSlam 2025, McIntyre and YouTube star Logan Paul teamed up in a winning effort against Orton and rapper Jelly Roll. At the 2024 event, McIntyre defeated CM Punk in a singles bout.

A year earlier, McIntyre lost to Gunther in an Intercontinental Championship bout.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 2:33 PM.