Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Drew McIntyre, Rey Fenix and More

Could Drew McIntyre be going to Hollywood sooner than anyone expected?

It appears that way, with a recent insider report indicating he has booked another feature film role.

Dive into that topic and more, including plans for Rey Fenix and a note on Wednesday night's Dynamite broadcast, with this collection of headlines from the industry's most trusted reporters.

Latest Update on Drew McIntyre

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PWInsider Elite's Mike Johnson reported that Drew McIntyre has been pulled from Fanatics Fest in July because he will be busy filming The Last Druid, starring Russel Crowe.

The report added that he has landed a third feature film after that.

With The Scottish Warrior busy filming in the heart of the summer, the odds that he will be available for a SummerSlam program are slim, especially considering the lack of time there would be to set up a program befitting a star of his magnitude.

It is a significant development for McIntyre's Hollywood career, but for WWE and SmackDown—already short on legitimate main event talent—it further weakens the roster.

If there is a positive, it is that McIntyre's absence should allow for others to get TV time and potentially elevate their star power.

Rey Fenix to Get TV Push

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Cory Hayes of False Finish reported on X that "Rey Fénix is expected to have a run with the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship that is similar to Penta's current run with the Intercontinental Championship."

It is a welcome report for a star who has been woefully misused and undervalued for the first year of his WWE contract. A dynamic, explosive star who could and should already have a presence similar to his brother, he is a show-stealing performer who could elevate the quality of WWE TV with a little more exposure.

Fenix recently appeared on SmackDown, defending his title against Axiom on the June 12 episode.

Not only does Fenix have the ability to deliver show-stealing matches, but a weekly television defense gives others the opportunity to benefit from TV time they may not have otherwise received.

That the company is missing out on the merchandise potential of Fenix, with his own lucha libre marketing appeal, is another reason for those in power to advocate for increased exposure for the reigning AAA world cruiserweight champion.

AEW Dynamite Note

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Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the reason there were eight matches announced in advance for Wednesday's AEW Dynamite is "because Tony Khan is a soccer guy. He is well aware of the World Cup and he's trying to put on a hell of a show going against World Cup soccer."

The other reason? AEW has its big Forbidden Door pay-per-view event this Sunday, live from San Jose, California.

The event features AEW stars battling names from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Stardom and CMLL.

A 10-man tag team steel cage battle featuring AEW world champion MJF and Mark Briscoe headlines that broadcast, while Kenny Omega and Zack Sabre Jr. square off in a hotly anticipated rematch from their 2018 G1 Climax contest.