Championship Reign Vindicates Drew McIntyre Following Crown Jewel Match Reversal

Drew McIntyre, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, has offered a candid reflection on the unforeseen creative changes that led to the cancellation of his highly anticipated match against John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel. The event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Cena ultimately face off against AJ Styles in a critically acclaimed encounter, a pivot from original plans that had McIntyre slated to share the ring with the legendary multi-time world champion.

The initial blueprint for WWE’s October premium live event had positioned a showdown between Cena, a figure synonymous with WWE’s global expansion and mainstream appeal, and McIntyre, a veteran performer who has meticulously rebuilt his career into one of the most compelling narratives in contemporary professional wrestling. John Cena himself confirmed the original booking on the "No-Contest" podcast, revealing that the promotion had indeed intended for him to face "The Scottish Warrior." However, a seemingly innocuous tweet from Cena, simply featuring the name "AJ Styles," ignited a significant fan response, prompting WWE’s creative team to shift direction.

McIntyre, speaking to CBS Sports at a hands-on event for the upcoming WWE 2K26 video game in Stamford, acknowledged his awareness of the initial plans but maintained a pragmatic approach. "I knew enough," McIntyre stated, underscoring a philosophy that has defined his career resilience. "I keep my head down and keep working no matter what happens. I can’t take his phone and say, ‘Just tweet my name.’" This sentiment encapsulates McIntyre’s disciplined work ethic, a trait honed over years of navigating the often unpredictable currents of professional wrestling.

The redirection represented another potential setback for McIntyre, whose career, despite numerous critically lauded performances and significant championship reigns, has often been characterized by near-misses and high-profile losses in crucial moments. McIntyre had openly campaigned for a coveted spot on what many observers dubbed John Cena’s "retirement tour," a series of high-profile matches designed to give fans opportunities to witness the iconic superstar in action as his in-ring appearances became increasingly sporadic. For McIntyre, a match with Cena was not merely about a marquee opponent but an opportunity to definitively prove his standing among the industry’s elite, particularly against a backdrop of consistently falling short in monumental encounters against top-tier competitors such as Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in recent years.

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"I can’t change the creative direction," McIntyre reiterated, accepting the realities of the entertainment industry. "I talked about getting a match with Cena. Getting a situation on the microphone with Cena to prove what I’m capable of because I want to compete with the best. He was the best on the microphone. I heard the quote John gave." Cena’s unparalleled ability to connect with an audience through spoken word has long been considered a benchmark, and McIntyre, renowned for his evolving character work and cutting promos, saw a unique opportunity to test his mettle against the master.

The decision to pivot to Styles was, according to Cena’s own accounts, a direct response to overwhelming fan demand. "Whatever people weren’t feeling or going on, they decided to pivot. He outright asked if the people wanted AJ. The match was incredible," McIntyre conceded, demonstrating a professional appreciation for the quality of the eventual contest. Cena and Styles delivered a performance at Crown Jewel that many critics and fans lauded as one of the best matches of the year, a testament to their chemistry and storytelling prowess. "I could sit there and go, ‘Damn, what if he tweeted my name?’ But the reality is he’s retired, and I’m world champion, so it worked out fine for Drew McIntyre."

This concluding statement from McIntyre underscores a significant shift in his career trajectory. At the time of the interview, McIntyre proudly bore the Undisputed WWE Championship, the gold slung around his shoulder a tangible symbol of his current status. While not his inaugural world title reign, this particular championship run holds unique significance for the Scottish superstar, embodying a profound sense of validation and earned achievement.

McIntyre’s journey to this point has been marked by dramatic peaks and valleys. His first WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 36 in 2020, while historic, unfolded in an unprecedented environment: an empty arena during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of a live audience, a cornerstone of professional wrestling’s emotional impact, left that monumental achievement feeling somewhat incomplete. His subsequent second reign was comparatively brief, further diminishing its long-term impact on his legacy. In contrast, his current tenure as champion, earned through a compelling character arc and consistent high-level performances, resonates with the roar of capacity crowds and the full weight of the WWE’s global spectacle.

Looking ahead, McIntyre is poised to headline WrestleMania 42, an event scheduled to pack tens of thousands of fans into Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19. Defending the Undisputed WWE Championship on such a grand stage, under the full glare of the WWE Universe, represents the culmination of a decade-long odyssey of reinvention and perseverance. It’s a stark contrast to his earlier career, particularly the period following his WWE release in 2014, when he was, in his own words, a "boy band cosplayer."

That period of release and subsequent independent circuit resurgence was instrumental in forging the resilient and self-reliant competitor seen today. After being branded "The Chosen One" by Vince McMahon in his initial WWE run (2007-2014) and experiencing a gradual decline that led to his involvement in the comedic 3MB stable, McIntyre was released. Rather than fading, he embarked on a transformative journey across various independent promotions, notably Impact Wrestling and Evolve. During this time, he shed his previous persona, refined his in-ring style, and developed a more authentic, gritty character. He captured multiple championships outside WWE, proving his worth and drawing critical acclaim. This period of self-improvement and self-belief laid the foundation for his triumphant return to WWE in 2017, initially in NXT where he quickly captured the NXT Championship, before rejoining the main roster.

The lesson learned from his past, and reinforced by the Cena setback, is profound: control the controllable and keep moving forward. "Things happen the way they’re supposed to," McIntyre reflected, articulating a stoic acceptance of external forces beyond his influence. "Many times I’ve been frustrated. I knew something was the right thing to do. But you have someone like Triple H leading the charge." This reference to Paul Levesque (Triple H), WWE’s Chief Content Officer, highlights McIntyre’s trust in the company’s current creative leadership, a key factor in the stability and direction of WWE programming in recent years. Levesque’s vision for talent development and long-term storytelling has often been credited with fostering an environment where performers like McIntyre can thrive.

As McIntyre continues his championship reign, navigating the competitive landscape of WWE, his experience with the Crown Jewel creative pivot stands as a testament to his maturity and focus. The disappointment of a missed opportunity has been supplanted by the undeniable reality of his current standing as the company’s top champion, a position earned through relentless effort and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

In related news, WWE 2K26, the video game for which McIntyre was participating in the hands-on event, is scheduled for worldwide release on March 13. Fans who opt for any of the three special editions—King of Kings, Attitude Era, or Monday Night Wars—will gain early access to the game on March 6.

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