Drew McIntyre Faces Injury Scare Ahead of SmackDown Showdown

NEW ORLEANS, La. — WWE SmackDown aired live on February 21, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center, where Drew McIntyre battled Jimmy Uso in a heated matchup during the opening of the show. Just hours before the event, McIntyre revealed on social media that he had to undergo a procedure to drain liquid from his knee.

During the match, the commentary team, including Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett, alluded to McIntyre’s condition as he entered the ring aiming for a significant victory. Despite the odds, Jimmy Uso managed to secure an unexpected victory over McIntyre, pinning him in 11:10 with a flash roll-up after a series of high-flying moves and counters.

“I’ve been in the ring with McIntyre more times than I can count, but this was different,” Uso said post-match. “I knew I had to bring my A-game tonight, and I did.”

After the match, an infuriated McIntyre attacked Uso, asserting that the outcome meant nothing. He attempted to make a statement by setting up Uso’s head next to the ring post, but officials swiftly intervened, managing to restrain him.

As the situation escalated, McIntyre broke free and delivered a Claymore Kick to Uso, asserting his dominance despite his recent injury scare. “This isn’t over,” McIntyre shouted as he left the ring, leaving fans wondering about a possible rematch.

WWE General Manager Nick Aldis had confirmed earlier that McIntyre would not be competing in a six-man tag match later in the night as a precaution, sparking concerns about his availability for upcoming events like WrestleMania.

In more action later that night, LA Knight teamed up with R-Truth to face Carmelo Hayes and The Miz in a highly anticipated tag match. The matchup ended with Hayes and Miz emerging victorious after an impressive performance.

The crowd at the Smoothie King Center was also treated to a vignette featuring WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, who is scheduled to defend her title against Candice LeRae at the upcoming Elimination Chamber event.