Drew McIntyre Legitimately Upset Over CM Punk’s “Easier Pick” Promo

Posted by admin on February 20th, 2026

Drew McIntyre Legitimately Upset Over CM Punk’s “Easier Pick” Promo – Drew McIntyre is never one to hold back, and earlier this month he admitted that comments made on WWE programming genuinely struck a nerve.

The Undisputed WWE Champion revealed he was legitimately upset following a segment on the February 2 episode of WWE RAW involving CM Punk and Roman Reigns. During that appearance, Punk suggested that Reigns could choose McIntyre as his WrestleMania opponent, referring to him as “the easier pick.”

The remark quickly gained attention, especially with McIntyre positioned as one of the leading stars on WWE SmackDown. McIntyre responded on the following week’s SmackDown with a passionate promo, stating he could defeat Reigns now that “The Tribal Chief” no longer has his family backing him.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, McIntyre addressed the situation when asked by Bully Ray whether the comments bothered him.

“Say whatever you want about me. I can protect myself. I look after myself verbally. And to be honest, they weren’t even that bad,” McIntyre said.

However, he admitted that one aspect of the segment did not sit well with him.

“It was just the stuff about the title and SmackDown and making it feel a little less than, when they’re such big superstars. Just focus on the title, focus on each other. So, I went out and did a Braveheart-like speech on the Friday because I was legitimately upset. As far as I was concerned, that was it, done. And it seems to be done. Now, they’re focused on their stuff. We’re focused on our stuff.”

McIntyre made it clear that while he can handle personal jabs, he took issue with anything that diminished the championship or the SmackDown brand. His fiery response appeared to settle the matter, and tensions have since cooled as all parties refocus on their respective paths toward WrestleMania 42.

For now, McIntyre remains locked in on defending his title, while Punk and Reigns continue their own high-profile trajectory heading into WWE’s biggest show of the year.