Drew McIntyre Addresses WWE Pivoting Away From Him To John Cena vs. AJ Styles, If He Knew The Original Plan

At WWE Crown Jewel 2025, John Cena and AJ Styles clashed one last time to cap off their legendary rivalry.

In a recent interview with No-Contest Wrestling, Cena revealed that the original plan was for him to face Drew McIntyre at Crown Jewel, but WWE decided to pivot to Cena vs. Styles.

Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of Shak Wrestling, McIntyre was asked about not getting the Cena match.

“I can’t change the creative direction. I talked about getting that match with Cena and get in a situation on the microphone with Cena, just to prove what I’m capable of because I want to compete with the best and he is, or was, the best on the microphone. I heard what John said. Whatever people weren’t feeling what was going on, they decided to pivot. He outright asked, ‘Do you want AJ? The match was incredible. I can sit here and go, ‘Damn, what if? What if he tweeted my name?’ The reality is, he’s retired and I’m world champion, so I think it worked out just fine for Drew McIntyre,” he said.

Asked if he knew of the original plan, he replied, “I know enough. I keep my head down, and I keep working, no matter what happens. I can’t take his phone and say, ‘Just tweet my name?'”

McIntyre is the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.

AJ Styles and John Cena are both retired.

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