That's what makes me think the guy just wasn't negotiating. I know people will be like "It's Natalya, she's nothing special", but that report saying he hadn't even started negotiating with her definitely made me think she's not the only one he hasn't talked to about a new deal.
I don't think they needed to do a "summer of McIntyre" type of thing. Unhinged Drew seeking his moment in his own backyard is a big enough story.