At Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth, Australia, one of WWE’s most celebrated rivalries will conclude as John Cena faces AJ Styles for the final time on his retirement tour. This match represents a significant moment for fans eager to witness the closing chapter of the AJ Styles John Cena rivalry, which has been marked by dramatic bouts and intense competition spanning several years.
AJ Styles Turns Heel with a Bold Attack on John Cena
Shortly after making his WWE debut, AJ Styles confronted John Cena, creating a highly anticipated showdown between two wrestling icons. Initially perceived as a confrontation between two heroic figures, the situation quickly shifted when Styles, accompanied by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows—known as The Good Brothers—revealed a darker side by launching a surprise attack on Cena. This heel turn showed Styles’ newfound enjoyment in targeting Cena, instantly igniting a fierce rivalry.
Their first official clash took place at Money in the Bank 2016, where Styles appeared to control the match throughout. Although Cena fought back strongly, The Good Brothers interfered, allowing Styles to secure a controversial win. This outcome protected Cena’s reputation while fueling their ongoing feud. In the subsequent Battleground pay-per-view, Cena enlisted Enzo Amore and Big Cass to win a tag team match, but the need for a one-on-one rematch remained. After the WWE Draft relocated both competitors to SmackDown, a singles match was arranged for the upcoming SummerSlam event.
The Defining Moment: AJ Styles Beats John Cena at SummerSlam
At SummerSlam 2016, the two superstars delivered a match that quickly became a highlight of the year. Their chemistry was undeniable, with intricate counters, high-impact moves, and nail-biting near-falls captivating the audience. Styles, firmly established as a heel, stunned fans by defeating Cena cleanly in a stunning upset.
During the match, Styles demonstrated unwavering resilience, even kicking out of Cena’s signature top rope Attitude Adjustment. The match climaxed with Styles executing his trademark Styles Clash and Phenomenal Forearm, earning him a decisive victory. This win elevated Styles to the top of the SmackDown roster and bolstered his claim as one of WWE’s best performers. The victory propelled Styles on a path to capture the WWE Championship and solidified his status as a major force within the company. The rivalry continued as they crossed paths again in a triple threat match at No Mercy later that year, but Cena did not challenge Styles one-on-one again until 2017.
John Cena Makes WWE History by Defeating AJ Styles for the Championship
After a brief three-month absence from WWE, John Cena returned in December 2016 with his sights set firmly on AJ Styles and the WWE Championship. This match carried extra weight as Cena aimed to claim his 16th world title, tying the legendary Ric Flair’s record. Their meeting at the Royal Rumble resulted in yet another classic, with the entire contest taking place inside the ring and showcasing remarkable intensity.
In this battle of wills, Cena showed greater focus and determination, eventually overcoming Styles to win the championship. This victory not only marked Cena’s first singles triumph over Styles but also served as a milestone by equaling Flair’s world title record. Despite this loss, Styles remained highly regarded, having previously gained significant momentum against Cena. The Royal Rumble match effectively capped off a memorable trilogy and left a lasting impression in the WWE landscape.
Though the two have occasionally crossed paths since, their rivalry was largely concentrated within this brief but impactful period. Together, they created matches that are still remembered for their athleticism, storytelling, and passion, making the AJ Styles John Cena rivalry a defining era in WWE history.
The End of an Era and What’s Next for WWE Fans
The final AJ Styles and John Cena bout at Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth represents not just the end of a rivalry, but the close of a significant era in WWE. As Cena edges closer to his retirement in December, this match allows fans to witness two of the industry’s greats one last time in-ring competition. Their history, filled with thrilling matches and powerful moments, has shaped WWE’s modern era, and their farewell match will undoubtedly be celebrated by long-time enthusiasts.
Looking forward, WWE will continue to build new stories and rivalries, but the legacy left by the AJ Styles John Cena rivalry will remain a benchmark for rivalry intensity and quality of performance. For many fans in Australia and around the world, the Crown Jewel event promises a memorable and emotional conclusion to this iconic chapter. The passion, skill, and determination shown by both wrestlers throughout their career will resonate long after their careers come to a close.
