Drew McIntyre Balances Hollywood Breakthrough With an Undated WWE Return

Acting is the present focus, not an announced exit

Drew McIntyre says his current priority is acting, even as he keeps himself prepared for a return to WWE. In a Fox News interview published Oct. 13, the former champion said he was maintaining his wrestling shape and training in the ring, but was focused on what he called “Hollywood Drew.” He did not announce a return date. ^[3]

The comments follow several months away from WWE programming while McIntyre worked on screen projects. Complex reported Oct. 14 that the stretch was the longest he had spent away from wrestling in his career, which began when he was 15. In that interview, he said the time away had made him more aware of how much he wanted to return, while leaving the timing undisclosed. ^[2]

WWE and ReelShort project arrives

The latest project is Agent of Shadows, a scripted action microdrama produced through WWE’s collaboration with ReelShort. WWE said the series, which features McIntyre, Joe Hendry and Jacob Fatu alongside ReelShort performers, was available on the platform as of Oct. 23. WWE describes the story as following a secret agent who poses as a nanny while protecting his young daughter. ^[1]

McIntyre has also discussed roles in Highlander and The Last Druid. Complex reported that he worked with Henry Cavill on Highlander and joined The Last Druid after Russell Crowe invited him to the project. McIntyre told the outlet that WWE executives approved his participation, and that he hopes to bring lessons from film sets back to his wrestling storytelling. ^[2]

Complex also reported that McIntyre's earlier screen work included The Killer's Game, after fellow wrestler Dave Bautista helped him enter the project. McIntyre said Highlander challenged him to move beyond playing an exaggerated version of his wrestling persona. His acting slate also includes Disney's animated feature Hexed, according to Complex. The roles give him work outside the ring while leaving his wrestling commitments part of his stated career plan. ^[2]

No return date or part-time plan confirmed

McIntyre has described himself as ready to wrestle, but has not said when he will next appear on Raw or SmackDown. Cageside Seats reported Oct. 20 that he reiterated his return would happen on his timetable during an appearance on WWE Radio’s Busted Open. The report does not identify a confirmed booking or a specific comeback date. ^[4]

His longer-term comments point toward balancing acting with a full WWE schedule rather than leaving the ring behind. In the Complex interview, McIntyre said he does not want to work only part time and described wrestling as his first love. Until WWE announces an appearance, any specific return show or storyline remains unconfirmed. ^{[2] [3]}