'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view ended with the conclusion to Drew McIntyre's second reign as WWE Champion. The Scotsman dropped his title to The Miz, who finally cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and once again stunned the pro wrestling world by winning the WWE Championship.
But The Miz took the title in a controversial manner. Following Drew McIntyre's successful title defense against five other Superstars inside the gruesome Elimination Chamber, the now-former WWE Champion was attacked by Bobby Lashley.
Having dropped the WWE United States Championship on the same night, Lashley made his intentions known when he set his sights on the world championship. Lashley's assault on McIntyre created an opening for The Miz and the rest, as they say, is history.
With Lashley set to challenge The Miz for the WWE Championship on the upcoming episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE could pull off another potential title change on the road to WrestleMania 37. Now that the company has two fresh faces fighting for the WWE Championship, the argument could be made that McIntyre doesn't need to get involved in the world title picture right now.
With that being said, here are five reasons why Drew McIntyre shouldn't return to the WWE Championship picture for WrestleMania.
#5. Drew McIntyre is practically guaranteed a WWE Championship rematch
Having dropped the WWE Championship due to a Money in the Bank cash-in, Drew McIntyre is essentially guaranteed a rematch at some point. But instead of having The Scotsman enter the title picture on the road to WrestleMania, WWE could delay this match.
For the past few months, Drew McIntyre has been the focal point of WWE RAW. The company has demonstrated its faith in the two-time WWE Champion, and though Randy Orton briefly held the title, WWE was quick to put the belt back on McIntyre.
Because the WWE Championship scene has revolved around Drew McIntyre throughout the pandemic era, the WWE Universe can expect the Scottish star to be back in the title picture sooner rather than later.
#4. Drew McIntyre could get involved in a special WrestleMania feud
If Drew McIntyre doesn't fight for the WWE Championship, it's fair to wonder what his role at WrestleMania 37 will be.
WWE typically brings back household names for WrestleMania season. Over the years, the likes of John Cena, The Undertaker, Goldberg, and even The Rock have appeared at The Grandest Stage of Them All.
This year, WWE could do bring back a major name for McIntyre's match at WrestleMania. The former WWE Champion recently defeated Goldberg, so WWE could have the Scotsman compete against an opponent of a similar stature. Any number of popular veterans could face McIntyre at The Showcase of the Immortals.
The idea of bringing in someone like John Cena for WrestleMania 37 seems quite fascinating, especially because live fans will return at the show. But because Cena is unlikely to appear at WrestleMania this year, WWE could opt to bring back Brock Lesnar instead.
A feud between McIntyre and Lesnar would make a lot of sense. After all, The Beast Incarnate's last match in the company came against McIntyre. Following the expiration of Lesnar's WWE contract, his return for a match at WrestleMania 37 would surely be a pleasant surprise for the fans.
#3. Drew McIntyre's absence creates a fresh scenario in the WWE Championship picture
Drew McIntyre has been involved in the WWE Championship for more than a year. The Scottish star first won the title behind closed doors at WrestleMania 36 when he beat Brock Lesnar. His second world title win came in the WWE ThunderDome when McIntyre defeated Randy Orton.
Given his constant involvement with the WWE Championship, It's fair to argue that McIntyre could benefit from a feud that doesn't involve the gold.
With The Miz's involvement in the WWE Championship picture, WWE now has a proper heel who could carry the title to WrestleMania and beyond. The A-Lister is known for his classic heel antics, and winning the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber was another classic example of his villainy.
More importantly, Drew McIntyre's absence in the world title scene also opens the door for a babyface run for Bobby Lashley. The fans seem absolutely invested in the idea of Lashley chasing the WWE Championship.
It remains to be seen whether the CEO of The Hurt Business will end up winning the legendary title at, or before, WWE's biggest event of the year.
#2. An all-babyface feud between Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley wouldn't make sense
During WWE's Performance Center era, Drew McIntyre established his place as the top dog of WWE. Even before Roman Reigns returned to WWE programming, McIntyre proudly carried the WWE Championship around his waist. The Scottish star was featured in some of the exciting feuds of 2020.
Within the past few months, Drew McIntyre's babyface run was well-received by the WWE Universe. The Scotsman is now regarded as a massive fan favorite within the WWE Universe. With that being said, WWE cannot afford to give that momentum away by having McIntyre return for a predictable feud against Bobby Lashley.
Given the events that unfolded after McIntyre's title defense at Elimination Chamber, it is absolutely logical for WWE to book a feud between McIntyre and Lashley. But with Lashley on course to possibly headline WrestleMania, McIntyre might receive major heat from the fans if he gets in the way.
Many fans have rallied around Lashley, so the WWE Universe might be upset if the former champion prevented a fresh title run. WWE could instead save a Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley feud for its post-WrestleMania plans.
#1. Drew McIntyre's absence will help The Miz build himself as a credible heel
Drew McIntyre is quite possibly the exact opposite of The Miz. Whereas the Scotsman is almost adored by the entire WWE Universe, The Miz constantly generates heat, whether he's the WWE Champion or not.
Likewise, The Miz winning the WWE Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view garnered plenty of criticism from the WWE Universe. But one cannot deny the fact that the reigning world champion plays his role brilliantly.
Throughout his career, The Miz has evolved as a Superstar, and his on-screen character has grown along the way. The current WWE Champion is capable of carrying himself as the company's top guy. His memorable Intercontinental Championship reigns from the past are proper examples of that ability.
With WWE opting to keep Drew McIntyre out of the WWE Championship picture on the road to WrestleMania 37, the company could simultaneously build The Miz as a legitimate champion.
WrestleMania 37 is still a few weeks away, so WWE has enough time to potentially build The Miz into a credible titleholder in a potential feud with Bobby Lashley.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
