Drew McIntyre Touches the Hearts of Countless Athletes at the 2023 Special Olympics

The last time the WWE Universe saw Drew McIntyre compete in the ring was nearly three months ago – but that doesn't mean he has stopped putting smiles on fans' faces in the meantime!

Although he's been conspicuously absent lately, Drew McIntyre has been focusing on arguably the most crucial role of his WWE career, being a Global Ambassador to the Special Olympics. A long-time partner of WWE, the Special Olympics has given a platform to millions of athletes suffering from intellectual disabilities for more than 60 years. As any wrestling fan knows, there isn't a WWE Superstar with a bigger heart than Drew McIntyre, making him an ideal Global Ambassador. On Sunday, the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin took place in Germany, kicking off the festivities and setting the stage for another thrilling edition of the largest inclusive sporting event in the world. 

On June 17, McIntyre wasted no time supporting some of the best athletes in the world, surprising Team USA with a special appearance as soon as he arrived in Berlin. The last time the United States competed in the Special Olympics World Games in 2019, the team captured an astonishing 71 gold medals, 61 silver medals, and 71 bronze medals. We're no math experts, but if Team USA could win more than 200 medals four years ago, anything is possible in 2023! This year, with McIntyre cheering them on, seeing Team USA set records throughout the event wouldn't surprise anyone. 

Perhaps the most memorable moment of McIntyre's visit came on June 18, when he sat beside Brazilian athlete Marcelino as the Special Olympics star got fitted for a hearing instrument that would enable him to hear clearly for the first time in his life:

(We're not crying, you're crying!)

After the cheers from Marcelino's fans subsided, McIntyre confessed that being a part of the Special Olympics always holds a place in his heart.

"This was always my favorite part," he said before calling the athletes inspirations to people worldwide – himself included.

Unsurprisingly, McIntyre was blown away by the technology involved with Marcelino being able to hear for the first time.

"It's magic, real magic," he confessed.

This was the first time the WWE Universe had heard or seen from Drew McIntyre since WrestleMania Goes Hollywood, he wrestled in an unforgettable Triple Threat match against Gunther and Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship. An instant classic if there ever was won, the WWE Universe witnessed the three Superstars bludgeon each other into oblivion as the SoFi Stadium crowd was electric throughout the match.

Due to the intense physical punishment all three men put each other through, rumors immediately began flying that one or more Superstars had suffered an injury at WrestleMania. It's clear that Gunther miraculously managed to come out of the Triple Threat match unscathed. In fact, he's parlayed that WrestleMania victory with countless more en route to holding the Intercontinental Title for over one year!

And while Sheamus is currently competing on SmackDown, Drew McIntyre hasn't wrestled a match since that fateful day in Los Angeles. The rumors are flying that he has been physically unable to compete – but from the looks of the videos from the Special Olympics, McIntyre looks 100 percent healthy to every member of the WWE Universe. 

So, one question remains: Is a return looming for the Scottish Warrior?

It would be fitting for Drew McIntyre to make his WWE return at Money in the Bank 2023. After all, it's being held in London, England, just a stone's throw away from his Scottish roots. However, with the event under two weeks out, the WWE Universe will have to wait a little longer for McIntyre to make his long-awaited return, as he isn't scheduled to be part of the action on July 1. 

However, as we all know, crazier things have happened. Logan Paul wasn't slated to be at Money in the Bank, and he showed up on RAW and declared himself as part of the men's Money in the Bank ladder match! Who's to say McIntyre can't show up on RAW or SmackDown in the coming weeks and declare himself part of the ladder match as well?

Whatever McIntyre has on his mind, the WWE Universe is already ready, willing, and waiting for his eventual triumphant return!

You can tune in to Peacock to watch WWE's Money in the Bank on July 1. In the meantime, catch up on all things WWE Universe on Peacock as well.