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It has been quite the year for Drew McIntyre, who went through a lot to remain the WWE Champion in 2020. He retained his title at TLC, even though he got cashed in on mid-match. McIntyre stood tall against AJ Styles and The Miz to win their TLC Match at the event.
With only two RAWs remaining in 2020, it is fair to say that the Scottish Warrior will be the WWE Champion on New Year's Day in 2021. And with the new year come not only new responsibilities for Drew McIntyre, but new opponents too. Whether they are right next to him or looking from afar, several stars could step up to challenge him for the WWE Title.
Some of these names could have matches with McIntyre sooner rather than later, while another few could face him further down the line. Either way, it seems like RAW's biggest babyface might have his hands full come the new year.
Here are five Superstars who could challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship in 2021.
#5 John Morrison could have a WWE Championship match on RAW to end his (and The Miz's) feud with Drew McIntyre
The Miz cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at TLC, making the match between Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles a triple threat. However, he was thwarted by Omos, who also went after John Morrison. The two have worked together throughout the year, so it is fair that the Prince of Parkour gets a fair deal.
While Miz had the briefcase, Morrison was right next to him on an equal footing. That means he should also get a shot at the WWE Championship, without the luxury to choose the exact time and place though. It would also be an effective way to end the feud between the two of them and McIntyre.
A match between Drew McIntyre and John Morrison would be fantastic, with the two of them in great form recently. A mix of immense strength and mind-blowing athleticism makes this a pretty exciting prospect, even if it would be the most predictable WWE Title match in years.
There is no chance that Morrison will win, but he could have an entertaining TV match for the belt that would boost McIntyre's list of WWE Title defenses. It would make for a great main event for the first RAW of 2021 to finish the story between the WWE Champion and the men who nearly took his title away.
#4 Sheamus could turn on Drew McIntyre and challenge him for the WWE Championship
This is a match that is extremely likely to happen in 2021, but it should happen later in the year. The friendship between Drew McIntyre and Sheamus has been built up pretty well, with an interesting dynamic between the pair. It is rare that WWE books faces and heels to be friendly with each other.
Sheamus should remain in this role as Drew McIntyre's best friend for a while before his eventual heel turn. Whenever that may be, expect the match between McIntyre and Sheamus to be a slugfest.
The Celtic Warrior has had a great 2020, with some big victories and impressive showings against the likes of Jeff Hardy and Riddle. His 2021 could be as big, with a match with his mate looming large. WWE should delay Sheamus' turn for as long as possible, as it would build more and more anticipation for this big match.
WWE is in dire need of some good storytelling, and they have been presented with one great story on a platter. It is up to them to make the eventual collision between Drew McIntyre and Sheamus as big as possible.
#3 Keith Lee could face Drew McIntyre with the WWE Championship on the line at WrestleMania (or beyond)
The past few weeks have been a roller-coaster and a half for Keith Lee. His WWE 24 special hit the Network and did a great job telling his story from childhood until his debut on RAW. Lee was then rumored to face Drew McIntyre for the WWE Title triple threat match at WrestleMania 37.
However, reports of him being sent to get additional reps in at the Performance Center were met with confused and negative responses. Lee was then beaten by The Miz and John Morrison, a match that Drew McIntyre won a month or so ago. That is not the ideal presentation for your next top star.
Hopefully, The Limitless One is able to gather enough momentum to reach the top of the card by WrestleMania. Lee should be a favorite to win the Royal Rumble Match and face McIntyre at WrestleMania. This would be a great title match for the Show of Shows, pitting two forces of nature against each other.
Keith Lee would provide Drew McIntyre with a challenge unlike anything he has faced in 2020, including Randy Orton. However, it should happen at WrestleMania or after the event. There is another potential opponent for the Scottish Warrior in the shorter term, in time for Royal Rumble.
#2 Braun Strowman looks ripped and ready to take on Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship
Drew McIntyre's Royal Rumble opponent is likely to be Braun Strowman, who was rumored to face him at TLC before an injury ruled him out. The Monster Among Men was suspended in storyline for putting his hands on Adam Pearce on the post-Survivor Series episode of RAW.
Strowman has been issuing threats on social media during his absence, which could lead to a fascinating scenario when he returns. The former Universal Champion might turn full heel if he hasn't already. It remains to be seen when he will return and what he will have in store on WWE RAW.
As can be seen on his social media posts, Braun Strowman looks ripped and is ready to flip things over until he gets what he wants. That thing might be a WWE Championship opportunity against Drew McIntyre, who would be up for the challenge. The two of them are yet to have a big pay-per-view match against each other as well.
A match between Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman - the two World Champions heading out of WrestleMania 36 - would be a great way to commemorate what might be the first WWE show to have live fans in attendance. McIntyre could earn another feather in his cap by defeating the rejuvenated Monster.
#1 Brock Lesnar is due his WWE Championship rematch against Drew McIntyre from WrestleMania 36
With many possible opponents for WWE Champion Drew McIntyre in 2021, here is the wildcard option. Brock Lesnar may not be signed with WWE right now, but his return is inevitable. Once the fans are back for good, the Beast will be back too, whenever that may be.
However, the poor viewership figures for WWE RAW might have caused Vince McMahon to make a special request. One way to guarantee ratings is an appearance from Lesnar. If he does return soon, he will likely be inserted in the WWE Championship picture with Drew McIntyre.
Brock Lesnar's last WWE appearance came at WrestleMania 36, where he suffered a quick loss to the Scottish Warrior. The two stars could have a fantastic match for the WWE Title, but it would require a crowd for it to deliver truly. Their 'Mania match was the express version of what they are capable of together.
There are several stories Lesnar could fit right into upon his WWE return, but the most likely one is a rematch against Drew McIntyre for the World Title. He and Keith Lee could both challenge for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 37.
Whatever happens, the Scotsman has his work cut out for him next year. It could prove to be as much of a defining year in his career as 2020 has been.
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