Drew McIntyre will not appear on tonight’s SmackDown as WWE continues building toward Backlash’s United States Championship picture. PWInsider Elite confirms the former WWE Champion isn’t present at Wells Fargo Arena despite last week’s chaotic #1 contender match against LA Knight.
The April 25 episode ended with Jacob Fatu standing tall after attacking both Knight and Damian Priest, who had interfered in McIntyre’s match.
This teased a potential Fatal 4-Way title defense at Backlash, but McIntyre’s unexpected absence delays further development. WWE has yet to explain the Scottish star’s missing appearance or adjust advertised segments featuring Randy Orton and Aleister Black vs. The Miz.
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McIntyre’s WrestleMania victory over Priest currently stands as his most recent televised match. His absence leaves Knight and Priest as the only active contenders on tonight’s show, while Fatu prepares for his first major title defense since winning the championship.
READ MORE: Drew McIntyre Opens Up About Rivalry With Damian Priest, Shares If He Enjoyed It
