Drew McIntyre recently opened up about the opportunity he almost had to face John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel last year. The bout, initially planned to feature McIntyre against Cena, was ultimately changed. Cena ended up wrestling AJ Styles at the event in Australia during his retirement tour because fans were seeking a more uplifting moment. McIntyre discussed his feelings on not receiving the chance to compete against Cena and how he accepts the situation.
McIntyre’s Reaction to the Change in Match Plans
In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, McIntyre explained that he understood he couldn’t influence WWE’s creative decisions, despite wanting to demonstrate his skill alongside Cena, who he considers one of the best on the microphone. When the decision was made to pivot to AJ Styles instead, McIntyre recognized that it was based on fan preference.
“And the match was incredible. So I could sit there and go, ‘Damn, what if?’ Or, ‘What if he tweeted my name?’ But the reality is he’s retired, I’m world champion. So I think it worked out just fine for Drew McIntyre.”
?Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Understanding the Original Plans and Accepting the Outcome
McIntyre revealed that while he was aware of the initial intent to have the match with Cena, he keeps focused on his work and doesn’t dwell on what could have been. He respects the guidance of WWE leadership, including Triple H, who he describes as experienced and thoughtful in shaping the company’s bigger picture. This perspective helps McIntyre remain grounded while maintaining his status as world champion.
“Many times, like I’ve mentioned already, I’ve been frustrated about things. I’ve been like, ‘I know this was the right thing to do.’ But at the same time, you get somebody like Triple H leading the charge that’s been there and done that a million times, and genuinely does think about the big picture. And I’m sitting here now, champion.”
?Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Significance and What the Future May Hold
Drew McIntyre’s reflections expose the emotional complexity behind WWE’s creative decisions and highlight the unpredictable nature of career-defining opportunities in professional wrestling. Although he missed facing John Cena at Crown Jewel, McIntyre maintains his focus on his role as world champion, recognizing that his time to shine will come through continued hard work and leadership within WWE. His comments also illustrate the influence of veteran executives like Triple H in guiding storylines that balance talent aspirations with fan engagement.
