WWE’s decision to cancel the highly anticipated Drew McIntyre John Cena match in 2025 came as a surprise to many fans amid John Cena’s farewell tour. Originally scheduled to face McIntyre, Cena ended up battling AJ Styles instead, after WWE shifted plans based on fan preferences. This change occurred during Cena’s final year in the ring as WWE adapted to evolving storylines and audience demand.
Shifts in John Cena’s Farewell Tour Plans
John Cena’s WWE Farewell Tour in 2025 featured a mix of memorable moments and setbacks, including a failed Royal Rumble attempt, a criticized heel turn, and a quick loss to Brock Lesnar. Ultimately, Cena’s singles match with AJ Styles at Crown Jewel stood out, reigniting the chemistry they first showcased together in 2017 and honoring past allies and adversaries. However, this match was not part of the original plan, as Cena was initially set to clash with Drew McIntyre.
In an interview on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast with hosts O’Shea Jackson Jr and TJ Jefferson, Cena explained how WWE needed to be flexible with its storylines. He revealed that the match with McIntyre was replaced due to sudden changes involving other characters, including Travis Scott and The Rock, which influenced the direction of his farewell narrative.
“You also got to be able to pivot. ‘Hey, you got Travis and Rock.’ ‘You don’t have Rock. You don’t have Travis. We’re going to do this.’ We’re going to do this. AJ was supposed to be Drew. Pivoted, but it pivoted. But like we want we want to give them a feel good moment because we they were listening to the data points. Like they listen to you guys. They do, it’s real.”
?John Cena, No-Contest Wrestling podcast
WWE’s Adaptation to Fan Feedback and Storyline Changes
WWE’s creative team responded to fan feedback and shifts in available talent, which prompted adjustments to Cena’s matches. Losing key figures such as The Rock and Travis Scott from the story led to the decision to pivot and offer a compelling encounter between Cena and AJ Styles at Crown Jewel. This strategic adaptation aimed to deliver a feel-good moment for the fans as Cena concluded his in-ring career.
McIntyre Remains a Key Competitor in WWE’s Future
With John Cena retiring in December 2025 following a loss to Gunther on Saturday Night’s Main Event, WWE’s landscape continued to evolve. AJ Styles also presumably wrestled his last match at the 2026 Royal Rumble, though rumors about his potential return persist. Unlike these two veterans, Drew McIntyre remains active and victorious, recently defeating Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown.
Looking ahead, McIntyre is projected to enter WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion, positioning him as one of the biggest stars carrying WWE into 2026 and beyond.
These changes reflect WWE’s ongoing effort to balance veteran farewells and rising talent, ensuring stories resonate with audience interests while adapting dynamically to unforeseen circumstances.
