After I was writing my WrestleMania 39 predictions column earlier this week, I actually struggled with who to choose within the Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus vs Gunther match for The Intercontinental Championship. A robust case might be made for all three males, as all of them really feel primary occasion caliber and are embraced in their very own approach by the gang.
I in the end went with Sheamus with a really low diploma of confidence. Many others have gone with Gunther. Over the previous couple of days, Drew McIntyre supporters have additionally been getting louder with their case, or no less than they had been till out of the blue a brand new rumor put the brakes on that. PW Insider reported that Drew McIntyre’s contract is outwardly up this 12 months, and the 2 sides “aren’t’ even shut” on a brand new deal but. Now, the standard knowledge is Drew McIntyre has virtually no likelihood of successful. However is that actually true? Let’s speak it out.
First, I believe it’s vital to level out what the report is saying and what it’s not saying. It’s not saying precisely when later this 12 months means, and it’s not saying how a lot effort the 2 sides have put in to speak a couple of contract. In the event that they exchanged numbers as soon as, had been fairly far off and haven’t talked once more as a result of the contract is up in 5 months, that’s mildly regarding. In the event that they’ve talked repeatedly and aren’t getting any nearer together with his contract up in two months, that’s a a lot larger concern.
It additionally issues what McIntyre’s relationship with WWE is behind the scenes. Loads of staff and employers have powerful however respectful contract negotiations. They every push for what they need, whereas they fortunately proceed working collectively. Wrestling followers can, in fact, level to many well-known situations through which a performer with the title refused to lose to a specific individual or took the title with them on their approach out the door (see Ric Aptitude in 1991), however for each one mess, there are dozens of examples of primary occasion performers doing a job with out concern on the best way out.
Solely Triple H and a few key different folks know what the connection is like behind the scenes with Drew McIntyre and the precise specifics of this contract negotiation. So, solely they know whether or not this has any have an effect on on their planning or the result of this match. I are inclined to suppose it’s not going to. McIntyre looks like knowledgeable man. He is been showcased and guarded fairly properly by WWE, and I’ve lengthy thought this match will lead right into a extra direct feud between McIntyre and Sheamus, with Gunther both persevering with on as a dominant IC Champion or shedding the belt in a end he had no a part of after which transferring on to the principle occasion scene.
Both approach, except this contract is up instantly, I believe we’ll see Sheamus and Drew McIntyre at Backlash. So, it could be simple to present Drew the belt right here after which have Sheamus take it off him later. Given their lengthy friendship, I’m certain he’d be more than pleased to place his buddy over.
Given all of the rumors and uncertainty, I believe it’s honest to say Drew McIntyre’s probabilities on the betting market must be lowered barely, however I believe there’s completely nonetheless the potential for him to win, given his contract seemingly isn’t up for months and there’s little likelihood of him refusing to shortly put over Sheamus if he had been to go away.
The Sheamus, Drew McIntyre and Gunther match will happen on Sunday in the course of the second night time of WrestleMania 39. They’re one a part of a unbelievable card followers are actually pumped to see. If you would like to observe WrestleMania 39, which airs, this weekend, you are able to do so with a Peacock subscription or with varied different worldwide choices.
