WWE Superstar AJ Styles has opened up ahead of a significant match that could shape his legacy. Currently competing on the RAW roster, Styles is preparing for an important showdown against John Cena at Crown Jewel next month in Perth, Australia, marking a pivotal moment in his AJ Styles WWE career match.
AJ Styles Reflects on Upcoming Match with John Cena
The veteran wrestler, known as “The Phenomenal One,” spoke with ABEMA while promoting WWE’s tour in Japan. Styles expressed surprise about the upcoming contest against Cena, admitting that he didn’t anticipate the opportunity but is excited to have one final match against the renowned performer.
“I am certainly happy for the opportunity to wrestle John Cena on his retirement tour. I did not think this was going to happen, 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 and it’s going to be incredible,” he said. [H/T: WrestlePurists]
Prior to this announcement, Styles had been engaged in a heated rivalry with Dominik Mysterio over the Intercontinental Championship. Mysterio successfully defended the title against Styles at SummerSlam 2025, and Styles was unable to reclaim it during the September 1 episode of WWE RAW. Meanwhile, John Cena recently lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam and was decisively defeated in a singles match against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza.
Industry Perspective: Vince Russo Comments on AJ Styles’ WWE Journey
Wrestling veteran Vince Russo has weighed in on Styles’ current situation within WWE, suggesting that the 48-year-old performer might be experiencing frustration. On Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Writing with Russo show, Russo shared that Styles is weary of the challenges and limitations the company’s environment imposes, implying that Styles may now be primarily motivated by professional commitment rather than passion.
“Yeah, I mean, AJ is a very, very proud guy and a very hard worker. But you know, it just comes to the point, like you get to the point of just, you get tired of fighting the system. You just do there. There just comes a point where it’s pointless. So it’s okay, bro, whatever. I am just going to work and I am gonna do the best I can and I am gonna earn my paycheck,” said Russo.
What This Match Means for AJ Styles’ WWE Legacy
The upcoming match at Crown Jewel presents not only a reunion between two iconic WWE stars but also a potential turning point in AJ Styles’ WWE career match. Facing John Cena on his retirement tour could be seen as a capstone to Styles’ career in WWE, providing him a platform for one last memorable performance in the ring. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see if Styles can secure a victory that could enhance his standing within the company’s storied history.
As WWE continues its global events in Japan and Australia, this match will likely be a highlight for the promotion and its audience, symbolizing both respect and rivalry between two of the most accomplished wrestlers in the industry.
“I am certainly happy for the opportunity to wrestle John Cena on his retirement tour. I did not think this was going to happen, 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 and it’s going to be incredible.”
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 29, 2025
