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The highly anticipated showdown between John Cena and AJ Styles at WWE Crown Jewel, widely regarded by many fans and critics as a pinnacle of Cena’s recent "retirement tour" and a contender for one of the year’s best matches, was not the original plan for the high-profile event. Insights from Drew McIntyre reveal that a different main event was initially slated for the October pay-per-view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with McIntyre himself positioned to face the sixteen-time world champion.
Cena recently disclosed on the "No-Contest" podcast that a match against McIntyre had been penciled in for WWE’s premium live event. However, a significant shift in creative direction occurred after Cena posted a tweet featuring the name of "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. The subsequent overwhelming fan response to Cena’s social media engagement appeared to be the catalyst for the promotion to pivot, ultimately leading to the acclaimed Cena-Styles encounter.
Speaking to CBS Sports at the WWE 2K26 hands-on event in Stamford, McIntyre acknowledged his awareness of the initial booking. "I knew enough," McIntyre stated regarding the scrapped plans. He articulated a professional philosophy that has guided his career through numerous creative changes: "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 comment underscores a pragmatic acceptance of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling’s creative process, particularly when external factors like fan sentiment can influence major decisions.
The incident represented another chapter in a career marked by both critical acclaim for his in-ring performances and a recurring pattern of falling short in high-stakes matches. Over the past few years, McIntyre has consistently delivered compelling bouts and narratives, yet often found himself on the losing end of pivotal encounters. His pursuit of a coveted spot on Cena’s much-discussed "retirement tour" was not merely about securing a marquee match; it was a strategic move to re-establish his standing among the elite, proving his mettle against a global icon who embodied the very top tier of sports entertainment. McIntyre sought to demonstrate that he belonged in the same conversation as the top stars who had, at various points, edged him out of major victories.
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McIntyre articulated his perspective on the creative changes, emphasizing his limited control over such decisions. "I can’t change the creative direction," he reiterated. His ambition to face Cena stemmed from a desire to test himself against the very best, not just physically but also verbally. "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." This highlights McIntyre’s aspiration for a complete package of competition, encompassing both athletic prowess and oratorical skill, an area where Cena has long been considered unparalleled.
The decision to pivot, as McIntyre noted, was a response to the perceived desires of the audience. "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’s acknowledgment of the quality of the Cena-Styles match reflects a professional admiration for his peers, even when the outcome meant a missed opportunity for himself. While a natural human reaction might involve lingering regret—"I could sit there and go, ‘Damn, what if he tweeted my name?’"—McIntyre quickly contextualized the situation within his current career trajectory. "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 was delivered with tangible proof of his ascended status. He conducted the interview with the undisputed WWE Championship proudly slung around his shoulder, a powerful symbol of his current dominance in the company. This reign marks a significant milestone in McIntyre’s storied career, providing a level of validation that his previous championship reigns, while historic, lacked in terms of fan presence and sustained impact.
McIntyre’s initial ascent to the WWE Championship occurred during the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. His triumph over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36, a career-defining moment, unfolded in front of an empty Performance Center, devoid of the roar of a live audience. This unique situation, while cementing him as a top champion, denied him the full, immersive experience of celebrating such a monumental achievement with the WWE Universe. His subsequent second reign was notably brief, lasting barely five minutes after a cash-in by The Miz. These past experiences underscore the profound significance of his current championship run, which sees him at the forefront of the company heading into WrestleMania 42.
As the defending WWE Champion, McIntyre is set to enter WrestleMania 42—a two-night extravaganza scheduled for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—in a position of unparalleled prominence. Tens of thousands of fans are expected to pack the stadium, providing the grand stage and electric atmosphere that was absent during his initial championship victory. This opportunity represents the culmination of a long and often challenging journey, a stark contrast to his earlier career.
McIntyre’s path to his current status is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. He is worlds apart from the "Chosen One" persona of his initial WWE run, or the "boy band cosplayer" gimmick during his time in 3MB, which ultimately led to his release from the company in 2014. Following his departure, McIntyre embarked on a critically acclaimed and career-redefining stint on the independent circuit, honing his craft and rebuilding his reputation before making a triumphant return to WWE in 2017. The Cena setback, while momentarily disappointing, served as yet another reminder of a lesson he has learned repeatedly throughout his professional life: the imperative to control the controllable and to consistently move forward.
"Things happen the way they’re supposed to," McIntyre reflected, articulating a philosophy of acceptance and faith in the broader narrative arc of his career. He acknowledged moments of frustration, particularly when convinced of a particular creative direction’s merit. However, he also emphasized the trust placed in leadership. "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 "Triple H" Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, underscores the organizational structure and the ultimate authority residing at the top of the creative team.
Beyond his in-ring endeavors, McIntyre is also a prominent figure in WWE’s multimedia ventures. His involvement with the upcoming WWE 2K26 video game further solidifies his standing as a marquee talent. The game is slated for a worldwide release on March 13, with fans who purchase any of the three special editions—King of Kings, Attitude Era, or Monday Night Wars—gaining early access on March 6.
During the promotional event for the game, McIntyre couldn’t resist injecting his characteristic wit, leaning into his current on-screen rivalry with CM Punk. "I was looking at the video game cover and thinking, ‘Really?’ I was supposed to be on the cover one year and, of course, it’s the year the game doesn’t come out. This year, they decided to put [Punk’s] stupid mug on the cover…" he quipped, continuing the playful jab. "That’s the face you use? All sunken in with droopy eyes. The parents are going to look at the kid buying a video game and think, ‘What is this?’" These comments, while lighthearted, further illustrate McIntyre’s ability to remain engaged and charismatic even amidst the rigorous schedule of a top-tier champion, embracing both the serious competitive aspects and the entertainment facets of his profession. His journey, marked by creative shifts and personal perseverance, stands as a testament to his enduring presence at the pinnacle of WWE.
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