arthur roy sitompulDrew McIntyre, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, has publicly addressed the behind-the-scenes creative decisions that led to the cancellation of his highly anticipated match against John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel. The Scottish superstar reflected on the original plans for the premium live event, which ultimately saw Cena face AJ Styles in a critically acclaimed encounter, and how the shift underscored his career philosophy of focusing on controllable elements.
The event, held in October, featured John Cena versus AJ Styles, a contest many fans and critics lauded as a standout performance of Cena’s recent "retirement tour." The match garnered significant praise, solidifying its place as one of the year’s top bouts. However, initial reports and subsequent confirmations revealed that the original booking for Crown Jewel had intended for Cena to square off against McIntyre.
Speaking on the "No-Contest" podcast, John Cena himself confirmed that a match with McIntyre was the initial concept for the Saudi Arabia-held pay-per-view. The creative direction, however, underwent a notable pivot. This change reportedly stemmed from an overwhelming fan response following a social media post by Cena. Cena had tweeted "The Phenomenal" one’s name, prompting a groundswell of fan enthusiasm for a match with AJ Styles. This fervent fan reaction appeared to act as a catalyst, steering the promotion’s plans away from the planned McIntyre confrontation.
McIntyre, when questioned about the situation at a recent WWE 2K26 hands-on event in Stamford, acknowledged his awareness of the initial booking. "I knew enough," McIntyre told CBS Sports, maintaining a pragmatic outlook. "I keep my head down and keep working no matter what happens. I can’t take his phone and say, ‘Just tweet my name.’" His comments highlight a consistent approach to his professional career, emphasizing resilience and focusing on performance rather than external factors beyond his control.
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For McIntyre, the alteration in creative plans represented another instance in a career often marked by periods of exceptional performance juxtaposed with significant setbacks in high-stakes encounters. Over the preceding years, McIntyre had delivered a series of acclaimed in-ring performances, consistently earning critical praise for his athleticism and storytelling. Despite this, he had frequently found himself on the losing end of major matches, particularly when challenging for top championships or competing against main event-level opponents. This pattern had established a narrative of the "Scottish Warrior" as a formidable contender often falling short at the final hurdle.
Consequently, McIntyre had openly campaigned for a coveted spot on John Cena’s "retirement tour." Cena, a 16-time World Champion and a defining figure of his era, has transitioned to a part-time role with WWE, making sporadic appearances that are highly anticipated by the fanbase. These limited engagements often serve as a measuring stick for current talent, offering opportunities to compete against a legitimate legend. McIntyre’s ambition to face Cena was rooted in a desire to reaffirm his standing among the elite, to prove he could go toe-to-toe with the top stars who had, at times, eclipsed him in the final moments of major contests.
"I can’t change the creative direction," McIntyre reiterated, underscoring his understanding of the professional wrestling landscape. "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." McIntyre’s aspiration was not merely for a match but for the complete package: the in-ring competition and the opportunity to engage in a high-profile verbal exchange with one of the most charismatic performers in WWE history.
The decision to pivot, as McIntyre noted, appeared to be a direct response to audience sentiment. "Whatever people weren’t feeling or going on, they decided to pivot. He outright asked if the people wanted AJ. The match was incredible." The outcome, a highly lauded contest between Cena and Styles, demonstrated the effectiveness of the creative change from a fan engagement perspective. While acknowledging the quality of the Styles-Cena encounter, McIntyre reflected on the what-if scenario: "I could sit there and go, ‘Damn, what if he tweeted my name?’"
However, McIntyre’s perspective quickly shifted to a positive affirmation of his current standing. "But the reality is he’s retired, and I’m world champion, so it worked out fine for Drew McIntyre." This statement, delivered with the undisputed WWE championship prominently slung around his shoulder during the interview, encapsulates a significant turning point in his career.
This current reign as Undisputed WWE Champion marks a profound validation for McIntyre, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of his previous championship tenures. His first WWE Championship victory, a momentous occasion, occurred at WrestleMania 36 in 2020. However, this historic win was overshadowed by the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the event to be held without any live audience. His subsequent championship reign was notably brief, lasting only a matter of minutes. These experiences, while adding to his resume, lacked the grandeur and fan interaction typically associated with a world title run.
In contrast, McIntyre now heads into WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19 in Las Vegas, as a defending WWE champion. The event is slated to take place at Allegiant Stadium, an arena capable of hosting tens of thousands of fans, providing a stark contrast to the empty venues of his initial championship triumph. This current reign allows McIntyre to perform as the top champion in front of capacity crowds, solidifying his status as a premier attraction and providing the full championship experience that eluded him previously.
McIntyre’s journey within WWE has been one of significant evolution and perseverance. He first debuted in 2007, later earning the moniker "The Chosen One" from Vince McMahon, signifying immense potential. Despite this early push, he was released from the company in 2014, a period he candidly refers to when reflecting on his past self as a "boy band cosplayer." His time away from WWE saw him refine his craft on the independent circuit and in other promotions, returning in 2017 a more polished and determined performer. The Cena setback, though initially disappointing, served as another reminder of a lesson he has learned repeatedly throughout his career: the imperative to "control the controllable" and to persistently move forward, regardless of external circumstances.
His philosophy of embracing the uncontrollable aspects of the business and focusing on his own contributions has been a cornerstone of his success. "Things happen the way they’re supposed to," McIntyre stated, reflecting a broader acceptance of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. He also acknowledged the current leadership structure within WWE, particularly the influence of Paul "Triple H" Levesque as Chief Content Officer. "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 suggests a level of trust and alignment with the current creative direction, even when individual plans may shift.
McIntyre’s current trajectory, culminating in his status as Undisputed WWE Champion heading into WrestleMania 42, underscores a career defined by resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. While the planned Crown Jewel match with John Cena did not materialize, the subsequent developments have positioned McIntyre in a career-defining period, allowing him to fully realize the potential that has long been recognized by both fans and industry insiders.
In related news, Drew McIntyre is prominently featured in the upcoming video game WWE 2K26. The game is scheduled for worldwide release on March 13. Fans who opt to purchase any of the three special editions—King of Kings, Attitude Era, or Monday Night Wars—will be granted early access to the game, beginning on March 6.
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