WWE SmackDown: What Are The Rules Of A ‘Good Old Fashioned Irish Donnybrook Match’?

Drew McIntyre and WWE’s resident ‘Celtic Warrior’ Sheamus have been battling for the past few weeks on SmackDown. These two superstars have had a storied rivalry since the past few years. The WWE seems to have decided to continue this feud to build up McIntyre before their UK Premium Live Event ‘Clash at the Castle’ and they have announced an Irish Donnybrook Match.

Originally Sheamus and McIntyre were scheduled to fight  two weeks ago. Since then the match was being postponed due to the shenanigans of Sheamus, who has tried his best to avoid the match. Things, however, picked up this past week.

Next Friday on #SmackDown!

👊 @LaceyEvansWWE vs. @WWE_Aliyah
🔥 @DMcIntyreWWE vs. @WWESheamus in a good old-fashioned Irish Donnybrook Match
🎺 #NewDay vs. #VikingRaiders
… and MORE! pic.twitter.com/Yf21qBsgnt

— WWE (@WWE) July 23, 2022

Sheamus challenged Drew McIntyre to a ‘Good Old Fashioned Irish Donnybrook Match’ for the following week’s SmackDown. While he also explained what the match entailed, people were left scratching their heads nonetheless.

How to win Good Old Fashioned Irish Donnybrook Match?

The word ‘donnybrook’ means ‘a rowdy brawl’ or ‘a scene of uproar or disorder’. Sheamus further elaborated on the match after issuing the challenge. He said that the match was “no DQ, no count-outs, anything goes”. In addition to this, the use of McIntyre’s prized sword, Angela, is prohibited. Apart from the regular weapons that we see, Sheamus also introduced shillelaghs, the traditional Irish weapon.

Thus, at its core, an Irish Donnybrook match is basically a ‘no holds-barred’ match with different branding. There are no rules, no count-outs, and no disqualifications. Everything except McIntyre’s sword ‘Angela’ is fair game to use.

Who do you think will win the Irish Donnybrook match between Sheamus and Drew McIntyre and earn a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal title at Clash At The Castle?🤔#WWE #SmackDown #WWECastle @DMcIntyreWWE | @WWESheamus pic.twitter.com/BBDElocU0V

— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) July 23, 2022

While a major complaint about WWE is about the constant rematches, McIntyre and Sheamus have shown that they possess excellent chemistry against each other. Regardless of the outcome, this match is sure to be an excellent one.

The stakes of this match are very high too. The winner of Sheamus vs. McIntyre will challenge for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at Clash of the Castle in Cardiff, Wales, on September 3. As one can expect, both these superstars will bring their A-game on the upcoming SmackDown.