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WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026

Cole Kapoor · · 4 min read

A Surprising Crossover: WWE Meets IPL

The intensity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has reached fever pitch, and it seems the excitement has transcended the boundaries of the cricketing world. In an unexpected display of fandom, WWE heavyweight Drew McIntyre has officially joined the growing legion of supporters for Rajasthan Royals’ teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Scottish wrestling icon took to social media to showcase his allegiance, donning a Rajasthan Royals jersey that prominently featured Sooryavanshi’s name on the back.

The ‘Chosen One’ Endorses a Future Star

McIntyre shared a video on his Instagram account, showing himself engaged in a rigorous weightlifting session while sporting the Rajasthan Royals colors. The post was accompanied by a simple yet powerful two-word caption: ‘Chosen One.’ This phrase carries significant weight for wrestling fans, as McIntyre, born Andrew Galloway IV, has utilized the moniker throughout his illustrious career, which began back in 2009.

By tagging the official Rajasthan Royals account, the WWE superstar brought a global spotlight onto the franchise just as they prepare for the high-stakes Eliminator match. The gesture did not go unnoticed by the team, with the official RR social media handle replying with a definitive ‘Certainly,’ signaling their full backing of the 15-year-old sensation who has taken the tournament by storm.

Riyan Parag Joins the Conversation

The crossover interaction drew a humorous and enthusiastic response from Rajasthan Royals captain, Riyan Parag. Commenting on the post, Parag remarked, ‘Omgggggg don’t remember how many Future Shock DDTs I’ve hit on 2K.’ Parag’s reference to the popular WWE 2K video game series highlighted the cultural overlap between the modern generation of cricketers and professional wrestling. The ‘Future Shock’ DDT is one of the most iconic finishing moves in wrestling, and seeing the IPL captain geek out over the WWE legend provided a lighthearted moment amidst the pressure of the upcoming playoffs.

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The Meteoric Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

While the WWE connection has certainly boosted his profile, it is Sooryavanshi’s performance on the pitch that has truly commanded respect. After emerging as a breakout star in 2025, the youngster has evolved into arguably the most destructive batsman in IPL 2026. His statistics are nothing short of breathtaking: in 14 matches, he has accumulated 583 runs at an impressive average of 41.64. Most notably, he maintains a monstrous strike rate of 232, terrorizing bowling attacks across the country.

With three fifties and a century to his name this season, Sooryavanshi has become the heartbeat of the Royals’ batting lineup. His power-hitting ability is best exemplified by his tally of 53 sixes, placing him just seven shy of the all-time record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. At just 15 years old, his poise and aggression have made him the center of discussion among fans, pundits, and now, international celebrities.

The Road to the Final

Rajasthan Royals face a critical juncture this Wednesday as they square off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator. The stakes could not be higher, with the loser’s journey in IPL 2026 coming to an immediate end. The winner of this clash will advance to Qualifier 2 on May 29 to face the Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

It has been a roller-coaster season for the Royals. Despite a brilliant start winning their first four matches, the team faced a mid-season slump, losing six of their next eight games. However, their late-season resurgence—winning their final two matches to secure a playoff spot—demonstrates the grit and determination within the squad. As they prepare to face SRH, the entire franchise is fueled by the hope of capturing their second IPL trophy, with the explosive batting of Sooryavanshi being a key component of their championship dream. Whether they go all the way to the final in Ahmedabad on May 31 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they have the backing of the ‘Chosen One’ to propel them forward.

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Cole Kapoor
Cole Kapoor

Cole Kapoor is a cricket analyst focused on match predictions, team strategies, and betting insights. He evaluates team form, pitch conditions, and player performance across T20 leagues.