As John Cena approaches the final phase of his WWE career, the wrestler may have teased the contest fans eagerly desire: a conclusive bout against AJ Styles. Cena’s year-long farewell tour has featured headline moments, including victories and veteran showdowns, making the prospect of a “John Cena final match” with Styles a tantalizing possibility for the WWE Universe.
Throughout this farewell period, John Cena has appeared in major events such as the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, transitioned into a villainous persona, and clinched his 17th WWE World Title at WrestleMania 41. His opponents have ranged from Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes to CM Punk, demonstrating the breadth of his in-ring challenges. However, his recent loss against Brock Lesnar, a swift defeat lasting just nine minutes, left audiences frustrated and the event Wrestlepalooza widely criticized.
In contrast, Cena’s recent social media interaction has sparked fresh excitement. He posted: “#CenavsStyles Thoughts? #WWERAW.” The question suggests the possibility of a final showdown between him and AJ Styles, which many fans regard as a must-see encounter before both wrestlers retire.
Tracing the Rivalry Between John Cena and AJ Styles
AJ Styles, who debuted in WWE in 2016, quickly established himself as a top competitor with electrifying matches against Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, and John Cena. Their rivalry has centered on the debate over who represents wrestling’s pinnacle—Styles as the celebrated star of TNA, ROH, and NJPW, and Cena as the long-standing face of WWE.
Their first clash occurred at Money in the Bank 2016, where Styles defeated Cena under controversial circumstances involving interference. Later that year, at SummerSlam—dubbed
“The Biggest Party of the Summer”
—they renewed their rivalry in what is considered one of Cena’s finest performances and a highlight in SummerSlam history. Styles again triumphed, this time cleanly.
Their final singles meeting to date happened at the 2017 Royal Rumble. As WWE Champion, Styles faced both Cena and Dean Ambrose in a Triple Threat match at No Mercy, securing victories over each. At the Royal Rumble, Cena overcame Styles decisively with two Attitude Adjustments and a pinfall, concluding an impressive initial year for Styles in WWE and earning renewed respect for Cena from critics.
Anticipation Builds for One Last High-Stakes Encounter
With AJ Styles reportedly nearing retirement and John Cena closing out his storied WWE tenure, the chance of a rematch holds significant appeal. This potential final bout could settle past tensions and deliver a memorable climax to their intertwined careers. Fans are now waiting for further updates, possibly to be announced on RAW, to confirm whether this thrilling encounter will finally take place.
