An original WWE plan for John Cena to win the Intercontinental Championship from AJ Styles at Crown Jewel was reportedly scrapped following Brock Lesnar’s return, according to a new report. The change eliminated what would have been Cena’s career Grand Slam.
Instead of a storyline-driven feud with Styles, Cena was shifted into a surprise program with Lesnar. That angle reportedly consumed three of Cena’s limited contractual appearances, leaving no room to execute a championship run.
The match between Cena and Styles remains scheduled for Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, on October 11, though WWE has confirmed it will now be a non-title contest.
The report came from Billi Bhatti, who stated the original title change was guaranteed. “The part where John Cena was supposed to win the Intercontinental Championship from AJ Styles was 100% happening,” Bhatti said.
He elaborated further, linking the cancellation to scheduling limitations. “Crown Jewel was originally supposed to be a show where John Cena won the Intercontinental Championship from AJ Styles. Because of this entire situation where John Cena doesn’t have time to lose the Intercontinental Championship, he also doesn’t have time to build up this match. The AJ Styles match, in terms of it being for the Intercontinental Championship, seemingly was canned.”
According to the insider, John Cena would capture the title from AJ Styles. This suggests that Dominik should have lost to The Phenomenal One in one of their title matches over the past few months.