Drew McIntyre made his return from injury on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
In a post-match segment, McIntyre came out to make the save when Sheamus was attacked by Solo Sikoa and The Usos, after Sikoa defeated Sheamus. McIntyre cleared the ring of the heels and then celebrated with Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes.
McIntyre and Sheamus were originally scheduled to challenge The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships on the December 9 episode of WWE SmackDown. However, McIntyre was “medically disqualified” from participating in the title match. It was then later reported that McIntyre suffered a ruptured eardrum at the Survivor Series WarGames PPV on November 26. McIntyre did wrestle the next night at a house as he wasn’t aware he did not have a ruptured eardrum.
WWE has announced the following two matches for the first SmackDown of 2023, which will air live on FOX and emanate from FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN.
-Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Drew McIntyre & Sheamus
-Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Ricochet vs. Top Dolla