AJ Styles has opened up about his retirement plans as he prepares to face John Cena for the last time at WWE Crown Jewel on October 11, 2025. With both superstars approaching the end of their in-ring careers, Styles’ comments shed light on what fans can expect from one of wrestling’s most memorable rivalries and the future of The Phenomenal One.
AJ Styles and John Cena to Clash for the Final Time at Crown Jewel
The upcoming event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marks the last scheduled encounter between WWE Superstars AJ Styles and John Cena. Cena, who plans to retire after five remaining appearances, will meet Styles in what promises to be a monumental showdown. Styles recently provided insights into his own intentions regarding retirement during an interview with Japan’s ABEMA broadcasting network.
Styles revealed that following Crown Jewel, WWE will host live shows in Japan on October 17 and 18 at Tokyo’s Ryōgoku Kokugikan venue. While excited to perform once again before Japanese fans, Styles indicated this could be his final wrestling tour in the country, hinting strongly at an impending end to his active career in the ring (via WrestleTalk).
Very excited. I honestly thought I may not be here in the WWE, so to get the opportunity to come back is really awesome. It’s probably my last time as a performer going back to Japan, so I’m really excited to get back… That means I’m gonna hang them up. I’m not gonna wrestle anymore. I’m gonna… soon, I’ll retire, and I don’t think we’ll get back to Japan before I retire. I think this might be my last go in Japan as a performer.
Determined to Retire Before Turning 50
In a discussion with Chris Van Vliet earlier in 2025, AJ Styles clarified that he does not intend to wrestle beyond his 50th birthday, which falls on June 2, 2027. At 48 years old, Styles is already looking ahead to the conclusion of his wrestling journey, emphasizing his readiness to step away from the ring without fear.
Styles expressed his desire for a fitting farewell match that not only closes his career with dignity but also embodies the story and character he has built over decades. This sentiment recalls his memorable encounter with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36, a cinematic Boneyard Match that served as a career milestone for both men.
I’m not afraid of retirement. I think it’s going to be great once I get there and can say, ‘Phew, I did it.’ But for me, it’s doing it correctly. The retirement, doing it correctly, something that I’m confident in like, ‘That was it, that was the one.’ I hope that’s what The Undertaker felt [after he wrestled AJ in a cinematic Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36]. It’s a final match, but it’s the story that led up to it, I think — I hope.
While Styles has yet to identify an ideal opponent for his ultimate bout, he envisions his final match as a meaningful event that will resonate with the WWE Universe and define his legacy. Being the man who helped close The Undertaker’s active wrestling career, the anticipation for his concluding chapter continues to build.
AJ Styles’ Reflections on Facing John Cena in His Farewell Tour
In the ABEMA interview, Styles also shared his reaction to being booked against John Cena during Cena’s retirement tour. While he welcomed the opportunity enthusiastically, the announcement of their match caught him by surprise due to its sudden nature.
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.
The match’s unexpected confirmation followed a tweet by John Cena on the platform X, where he asked fans if they wished to see a confrontation with Styles. The overwhelming positive response from followers, including Styles himself, prompted WWE executive Triple H to officially announce the bout mere hours later.
.@JohnCena vs. @AJStylesOrg is a match we all want to see. And at #WWECrownJewel…we will. Saturday, October 11 on @espn & @netflix.
Leading up to their upcoming fight, Cena showed respect for Styles by employing Styles’ own finishing move, the Styles Clash, against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris. Cena explained in an interview that this gesture was his way of acknowledging Styles, given the previous uncertainty over whether the two would ever wrestle again. This tribute now sets a powerful tone for their final rivalry matchup.
The Future Impact on AJ Styles’ Career and WWE Landscape
AJ Styles’ declaration about retiring soon after his consecutive appearances in Japan signals a significant moment for WWE fans worldwide. His long tenure as a two-time WWE Champion and pioneer in the sport makes the prospect of his departure all the more profound. This final tour, including the high-profile match against John Cena, will likely be celebrated as a monumental farewell for a wrestler who has entertained millions.
While John Cena’s retirement tour is already underway, it remains to be seen whether Styles will embark on a similar farewell journey beyond these upcoming events. However, given his comments and timeline, an official retirement announcement in 2026 or 2027 is anticipated.
The wrestling community eagerly awaits the culmination of Styles’ storied career and the outcome of his last bout with Cena. This defining chapter is expected to leave a lasting impression on fans, marking the end of an era for two of WWE’s most iconic performers.
.@JohnCena vs. @AJStylesOrg is a match we all want to see. And at #WWECrownJewel…we will.
Saturday, October 11 on @espn & @netflix. https://t.co/PhF5NM6AoC pic.twitter.com/Z7nsRuXwTb
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 23, 2025
