AJ Styles is set for another chance to face John Cena in the ring, a match many fans eagerly anticipated, especially given Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. Speaking ahead of WWE‘s Super Show Japan events on October 17 and 18, Styles expressed surprise that the bout was arranged, revealing that the opportunity came unexpectedly. The match, now confirmed for WWE Crown Jewel: Perth, aligns with Styles’ desire to have one last showdown with Cena.
How AJ Styles Learned About His Match With John Cena
During an interview with ABEMA, Styles discussed the upcoming fight with Cena, emphasizing his excitement and unexpected nature of the event.
“I am certainly happy for the opportunity to wrestle John Cena on his retirement tour. I did not think this was going to happen,”
Styles shared.
“It honestly just came out of nowhere, but I accept it. I want it, and me and John are going to have one last match. It’s going to be incredible.”
This candid admission highlights how unplanned the match felt to Styles at first, despite the huge fan interest.
The match reportedly materialized following a poll where the WWE Universe overwhelmingly voted in favor of Styles facing Cena once more. Triple H officially sanctioned the match after seeing the fans’ enthusiastic response. Cena himself indicated that his retirement tour was, in large part, about delivering what fans want, reinforcing his role as the “captain” of this farewell journey.
Behind the Scenes: Was the Match Always in the Cards?
Contrary to Styles’ statement about the match’s surprise, Dave Meltzer from F4WOnline.com revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that the confrontation was planned well in advance for Australia. Meltzer explained that the storyline suggesting Cena was only paying tribute to Styles because a match wasn’t possible was created to increase demand. He said,
“This (John Cena vs. AJ Styles) match was always scheduled for Australia. Always.”
Meltzer further revealed the strategy to generate fan anticipation by telling audiences they wouldn’t get the match, building tension via Cena’s tribute storyline. He detailed,
“The idea was they’d tell people ‘you’re not going to get this match’ — so to create a demand for the match, they basically told the story that Cena is paying tribute to him because he’s only got limited dates, and AJ ain’t getting it. Then AJ did that dark speech on RAW during the American commercials about how ‘I’m mad at how I’m being booked’ and whatever. It was all to build up this match.”
Implications for Fans and WWE Storylines
This revelation adds layers of intrigue and frustration to the AJ Styles John Cena match, revealing the intricate planning behind WWE’s storylines and fan engagement. The tension built through apparent disappointment in AJ Styles’ booking and the tribute narrative created a charged atmosphere leading up to the confirmed match. Fans now await an intense encounter shaped not only by in-ring competition but also by the drama woven into the buildup.
As the WWE Super Show Japan draws nearer, the Styles vs. Cena match stands as a critical moment in Cena’s retirement tour and Styles’ career, showcasing the complex storytelling WWE employs beyond the wrestling itself. The bout, set in Perth, Australia, promises to deliver more than just an athletic contest—it is the culmination of a long-planned narrative designed to captivate the audience until the final bell.
