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Drew McIntyre, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, has offered insight into the unforeseen alteration of creative plans for a marquee bout at a recent Crown Jewel event, where a highly anticipated encounter between John Cena and AJ Styles ultimately materialized in place of an originally scheduled contest involving McIntyre himself. The Scottish warrior, speaking at a WWE 2K26 hands-on event in Stamford, addressed the unexpected pivot, emphasizing his philosophy of resilience and adaptability within the dynamic landscape of professional wrestling.
The Crown Jewel event, which featured the acclaimed showdown between John Cena and AJ Styles, a match widely regarded by many fans as a highlight of Cena’s recent "retirement tour" and a candidate for match of the year, saw a significant change from its initial blueprint. According to Cena’s recent revelations on the "No-Contest" podcast, the initial intention was for him to face McIntyre at the premium live event. However, a spontaneous social media post by Cena, featuring merely the name "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, ignited a fervent fan response that seemingly compelled the promotion to re-evaluate its creative direction, ultimately leading to the Cena-Styles encounter.
McIntyre, a veteran of numerous high-stakes scenarios and creative shifts within WWE, acknowledged his awareness of the initial plans. "I knew enough," McIntyre stated, maintaining a measured tone. His perspective underscored a professional detachment from elements beyond his influence. "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 statement encapsulates a philosophy McIntyre has cultivated throughout a career marked by both significant triumphs and unexpected detours.
The proposed match against Cena at Crown Jewel would have represented a critical moment for McIntyre. For several years preceding his current championship reign, McIntyre had garnered critical acclaim for his in-ring performances, often delivering matches lauded for their intensity and storytelling. Despite this consistent quality, he frequently found himself on the losing end of pivotal contests, particularly against WWE’s top-tier stars. This pattern had fueled a personal campaign by McIntyre to secure a coveted spot on John Cena’s high-profile "retirement tour," viewing it as an opportunity to emphatically reassert his standing among the industry’s elite. Cena’s tours, historically, have been reserved for encounters with the company’s most prominent figures, serving as a benchmark for current talent.
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McIntyre’s ambition to face Cena was not merely about a win, but about a platform. "I can’t change the creative direction," he reiterated. "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, a master of character work and verbal sparring, has long been recognized for his unparalleled ability to connect with audiences and elevate feuds through his promo delivery. A direct confrontation, both physical and verbal, would have allowed McIntyre to showcase his own evolved persona and rhetorical prowess against a standard-bearer.
The eventual pivot to AJ Styles, following the vocal fan demand, resulted in a match that met, and for many, exceeded expectations. "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, acknowledging the quality of the eventual contest. While a momentary pang of what-if might have lingered, McIntyre quickly shifted focus to his current reality. "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 statement, delivered with the prestigious Undisputed WWE Championship belt slung over his shoulder, underscored a profound sense of vindication and achievement.
McIntyre’s journey to this point has been characterized by significant highs and lows, illustrating a career trajectory that has tested his resolve repeatedly. His initial run with WWE, beginning in 2007, saw him introduced by Vince McMahon as "The Chosen One," a future world champion. While he did secure the Intercontinental Championship, his initial main roster run ultimately faltered, leading to his release in 2014. This period, which he later referred to as his "boy band cosplayer" phase, forced a fundamental re-evaluation of his career path.
Following his departure, McIntyre embarked on a transformative period on the independent circuit and with other major promotions like Impact Wrestling. During this time, he refined his craft, developed a more rugged and authentic persona, and garnered a reputation as one of the most compelling talents outside WWE. This resurgence culminated in his highly anticipated return to WWE in 2017, initially in NXT, where he quickly captured the NXT Championship, signaling his renewed purpose and elevated status.
Upon his return to the main roster, McIntyre steadily climbed the ranks, demonstrating a newfound intensity and consistency. His crowning achievement came in 2020 when he won the Royal Rumble match and subsequently defeated Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. This monumental victory, however, occurred during the unprecedented global pandemic, with no live audience present. His reign, while significant, played out in the sterile environment of the WWE Performance Center and later the ThunderDome, an experience McIntyre has openly stated felt incomplete. His second world title reign, though impactful, was notably brief, barely extending beyond five minutes. These experiences, while adding to his resume, lacked the cathartic validation of a victory celebrated by tens of thousands of passionate fans.
The current Undisputed WWE Championship reign, therefore, represents a profoundly different chapter for McIntyre. It is a reign forged in front of roaring crowds, against formidable opposition, and through compelling narratives that have resonated deeply with the WWE Universe. This period has allowed him to fully inhabit the role of a dominant, credible champion, a stark contrast to the circumstances of his previous reigns. His ability to connect with the audience, both as a formidable competitor and a compelling character, has reached an all-time high.
As McIntyre looks ahead, his focus is firmly fixed on WrestleMania 42. The flagship event of WWE, scheduled for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is projected to draw tens of thousands of fans, marking one of the biggest spectacles in professional wrestling. Heading into such an event as the defending WWE Champion is the culmination of years of relentless effort and an unwavering belief in his capabilities. It is a stage where the significance of his journey, from a released talent to the undisputed standard-bearer, will be amplified for a global audience.
McIntyre’s philosophical outlook, characterized by controlling the controllable and maintaining forward momentum, has been a recurring theme throughout his career. "Things happen the way they’re supposed to," he reflected, a testament to his learned resilience. This perspective, honed through numerous professional frustrations and personal growth, has allowed him to navigate the unpredictable nature of WWE’s creative process. The presence of leadership like Triple H, who now helms WWE creative, further reinforces McIntyre’s belief in the strategic direction of the company.
In conclusion, while the initial disappointment of a scrapped John Cena match at Crown Jewel might have been palpable, Drew McIntyre’s current standing as Undisputed WWE Champion heading into WrestleMania 42 underscores a career trajectory defined by persistence and an unshakeable belief in his own path. His ability to transform perceived setbacks into stepping stones highlights a maturity and focus that have solidified his position at the pinnacle of professional wrestling.
In related news, WWE 2K26, which provided the backdrop for McIntyre’s interview, is slated for worldwide release on March 13. Fans opting 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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