3 Reasons why Drew McIntyre needed to defeat Roman Reigns at WWE Stomping Grounds

#2 Drew McIntyre is not just another lackey

Drew McIntyre assisting Shane McMahon in this vicious attack on Roman Reigns from a recent episode of Monday Night RAW

Drew McIntyre, as amazing of a competitor he can be in the ring, has the reputation of being a follower rather than a leader. In the past, he was a lackey to the WWE Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon during his initial run back in 2009-2010. He was declared as "The Chosen One" by the Chairman and failed to live up to those expectations.

When he failed, he was shuffled around into a jobber/comedy act along with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal as "The 3 Man Band". Eventually, McIntyre was released from his WWE contract.

Taking advantage of his time away from WWE, he rebuilt his character, changed up his looks, added to his physique and character. He made his return to the WWE in 2017 and was off to a great start in NXT, before eventually make the shift back to the WWE main roster. Long story short, Drew was heading in the right direction. Until recently, his path was altered.

Drew McIntyre aligned himself initially with Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley as a trio hellbent on destroying The Shield. After Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley) left the WWE, he aligned himself with Shane McMahon in his pursuit to put "The Big Dog" Roman Reigns to sleep.

As you can see, Drew has garnered the reputation of following or teaming with others, versus being his own man. He has proven outside the realm of the WWE during his time away that he's a force to be reckoned with. He does not need Shane McMahon or Baron Corbin to show him the way. Drew needed the win tonight over Roman Reigns to prove that he's not another pawn in someone else's game plan. A win tonight could have been the difference between a future championship opportunity and going to the back of the line.