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Drew McIntyre, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, has addressed the widely discussed creative decision that saw his planned match against multi-time world champion John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel replaced by a highly anticipated encounter between Cena and AJ Styles. The Scottish Warrior, speaking at a WWE 2K26 hands-on event in Stamford, provided insight into the last-minute change and reflected on the trajectory of his career, which has seen him overcome numerous professional setbacks to achieve his current championship status.
The November 2023 edition of WWE Crown Jewel, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a significant event on the WWE calendar, featuring high-profile matchups. Among them was the critically acclaimed contest between John Cena and AJ Styles, a clash that many fans lauded as one of the year’s standout performances. However, this bout was not the initial plan. As Cena himself revealed on the "No-Contest" podcast, the original intention was for him to face Drew McIntyre at the premium live event.
The shift in creative direction reportedly stemmed from an overwhelming fan reaction on social media. Cena, known for his engagement with the WWE Universe, had tweeted out "The Phenomenal" one’s name, triggering a groundswell of support for a renewal of the legendary Cena vs. Styles rivalry. This public sentiment appears to have influenced WWE management to pivot, ultimately leading to the Styles match.
"I knew enough," McIntyre stated, acknowledging his awareness of the initial plans. He maintained a pragmatic stance on the situation, emphasizing his focus on performance regardless of external factors. "I keep my head down and keep working no matter what happens. I can’t take his phone and say, ‘Just tweet my name.’"
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For McIntyre, this creative change represented another chapter in a career marked by both significant accomplishments and frustrating near-misses. Over recent years, McIntyre has consistently delivered acclaimed in-ring performances, earning praise from critics and fans alike for his intensity and athleticism. Despite this, he has often found himself on the losing end of major matches, particularly when challenging for top championships. His pursuit of a prominent spot on what was colloquially referred to as Cena’s "retirement tour"—a series of high-profile appearances and matches undertaken by the part-time superstar—was an explicit attempt to once again prove his mettle against one of the industry’s most enduring figures.
"I can’t change the creative direction," McIntyre reiterated, reflecting on his desire to face Cena. "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 "retirement tour," while not a formal farewell from professional wrestling, marked a period where the Hollywood actor returned for select high-stakes matches, allowing him to reconnect with the fanbase that propelled him to superstardom. These appearances often carried significant narrative weight, and a match against McIntyre would have provided a substantial platform for the Scottish competitor.
McIntyre continued, offering a candid assessment of the pivot. "Whatever people weren’t feeling or going on, they decided to pivot. He outright asked if the people wanted AJ. The match was incredible. 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."
Indeed, McIntyre’s current standing in WWE signifies a profound professional resurgence. His interview, conducted with the Undisputed WWE Championship proudly slung over his shoulder, underscored the validation of his perseverance. This championship reign represents a culmination of years of relentless effort and a testament to his ability to overcome adversity.
McIntyre’s journey to the top of WWE has been circuitous and often challenging. His initial run with the company began in 2007, where he was famously dubbed "The Chosen One" by then-Chairman Vince McMahon, who predicted he would become a future world champion. Despite this early endorsement and a reign as Intercontinental Champion, McIntyre’s first tenure ended disappointingly with his release in 2014. During this period, he was, as he humorously recalled, perceived by some as a "boy band cosplayer," a stark contrast to his current intimidating persona.
Following his departure, McIntyre embarked on a transformative period on the independent circuit and with Impact Wrestling. This era saw him reinvent himself, refining his in-ring style and developing a more serious, intense character that resonated deeply with fans. His performances outside WWE were instrumental in his return to the company in 2017, initially joining the NXT brand before making his way back to the main roster.
His first world title reign came at WrestleMania 36 in 2020, where he defeated Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. This historic victory, however, occurred under unprecedented circumstances, with no live audience present due to the global pandemic. While a monumental achievement, the absence of fans to witness and celebrate the moment rendered it a bittersweet triumph. His second world title reign, which commenced at TLC 2020 after defeating Randy Orton, was also relatively brief, lasting just over two months before he lost the title at Elimination Chamber 2021.
These prior experiences, coupled with a series of high-profile losses in subsequent championship challenges – including a notable defeat to Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle in front of a fervent Scottish crowd in 2022, and a loss to Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 in 2024 (where he initially won the World Heavyweight Championship but lost it moments later to Damian Priest’s Money in the Bank cash-in) – forged a resilient mindset within McIntyre. The perceived pattern of "losing the big one" or having championship moments marred by external factors has become a significant part of his narrative.
His current Undisputed WWE Championship reign, which he secured by defeating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 in a highly emotional and hard-fought contest, carries immense personal and professional significance. It is a reign that he can defend in front of packed arenas, a stark contrast to his pandemic-era triumph. This period marks his most validating championship run, solidifying his status as a top-tier performer and a legitimate main event attraction.
Looking ahead, McIntyre is poised to headline WrestleMania 42, an event projected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19. As the defending WWE Champion, he will carry the weight of the company’s premier title into its biggest annual spectacle, a testament to his journey from a discarded talent to the pinnacle of sports entertainment.
The lesson learned from the Crown Jewel creative pivot, and indeed from many moments throughout his career, is clear for McIntyre: control the controllable and keep moving forward. "Things happen the way they’re supposed to," he reflected, emphasizing a philosophical acceptance of circumstances beyond his direct influence. He also acknowledged the leadership guiding the company’s creative direction. "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."
The interview also served to promote WWE 2K26, the latest iteration of the popular video game franchise. The game is slated for 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. The presence of top-tier talent like Drew McIntyre at such promotional events underscores their integral role not only in the company’s live programming but also in its broader multimedia ventures. McIntyre’s journey from a young prospect to a seasoned champion, navigating creative shifts and personal setbacks, serves as a compelling narrative for both the WWE Universe and the wider sports entertainment landscape.
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