Drew McIntyre paid tribute to longtime friend and rival Sheamus on July 7, 2026, by posting two throwback photos that span their early days and a recent WrestleMania 39 triple‑threat match, underscoring the significance of Sheamus’s looming departure from WWE.
What did Drew McIntyre share?
The former WWE Champion uploaded a snapshot from the duo’s first training sessions together, showing a youthful McIntyre beside a similarly‑aged Sheamus. The second image captured the moment they stood side‑by‑side at WrestleMania 39, battling Gunther in a high‑stakes triple‑threat bout. Both pictures were posted to McIntyre’s official Twitter handle @DMcIntyreWWE, accompanied by a brief caption reflecting on their friendship.
Why is Sheamus leaving?
Sheamus’s contract expired earlier this month, and WWE moved his profile to the alumni section of their website, signaling the end of a nearly twenty‑year tenure. Despite collecting every major title except the Intercontinental Championship, the Irish‑born star has not publicly addressed his exit. The timing aligns with a broader roster reshuffle as WWE prepares for upcoming summer events.
How does this affect Drew McIntyre?
McIntyre, who has been focusing on film projects, has not appeared on WWE television since his loss at WrestleMania 42. The tribute serves as a reminder of his deep ties to the locker room and may hint at future on‑screen collaborations once his acting schedule eases. Fans see the post as a subtle nod that McIntyre could step back into the spotlight to fill the void left by Sheamus.
What’s next for both wrestlers?
Sheamus is expected to explore opportunities outside WWE, possibly returning to the independent circuit or pursuing media work in Ireland. Meanwhile, McIntyre’s next WWE appearance remains unconfirmed, though rumors suggest a surprise return at a summer pay‑per‑view. The wrestling community will be watching both social feeds for any hint of upcoming projects.
How did fans react?
The tweet quickly amassed thousands of likes and retweets, with many fans sharing their own memories of the two athletes’ classic bouts. Comments ranged from gratitude for Sheamus’s contributions to speculation about McIntyre’s next move. The engagement underscores the lasting impact both men have had on the modern wrestling era.