John Cena publicly commended AJ Styles after Styles’ final appearance at the Royal Rumble, which took place in early 2026. Following Styles’ defeat to GUNTHER in what was described as his concluding match, Cena took to social media to recognize Styles’ contributions to professional wrestling, emphasizing the respect he has earned over the years. Cena’s praise highlighted their shared history and the impact Styles has had on the industry.
Details of AJ Styles’ Royal Rumble Bout and Its Significance
At the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles lost to GUNTHER after being caught in a sleeper hold. Styles did not submit but instead passed out, prompting the referee to end the match. This ending notably mirrored a recent encounter in which John Cena himself was defeated by GUNTHER via the same submission at Saturday Night’s Main Event the previous month. Cena’s tap-out marked a rare departure from his well-known “Never Give Up” ethos, making the similarity between the two finishes especially noteworthy.
The Parallels Between Cena and Styles’ Defeats to GUNTHER
The fact that both men succumbed to GUNTHER’s sleeper hold within weeks adds depth to Cena’s tribute, reinforcing the connection between the two wrestlers. While Styles’ loss was framed as a farewell moment, signaling the end of his era in WWE, Cena’s defeat stirred more debate due to his long-standing character principle that emphasized resilience and refusal to submit. This shared experience against the same opponent within a short time span linked their narratives in an unexpected way.
The History of Cena and Styles’ Rivalry in WWE
John Cena and AJ Styles’ careers have been intertwined since Styles joined WWE in 2016, sparking a high-profile rivalry that lasted until 2018. Their clashes were acclaimed for their intensity and athleticism, drawing strong reactions from fans. Their final match before Styles’ Royal Rumble farewell was held in October 2025, where Cena secured a victory. That bout was distinguished by numerous tributes to past rivals and highlighted the mutual respect between the two competitors.
John Cena’s Public Tribute to AJ Styles’ Wrestling Legacy
Following the Royal Rumble, Cena’s message served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of AJ Styles’ outstanding contributions to wrestling, effectively marking the closing chapter of their celebrated rivalry. He honored Styles with these words on social media:
Phenomenal is an understatement. Respect is earned and few are more worthy of universal industry wide respect than @AJStylesOrg. Thank you AJ for all you’ve done for wrestling. From anyone who’s seen you and those lucky enough to share canvas with you.— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 31, 2026
Cena’s tribute underscores the admiration he holds for Styles, both as a competitor and as a person, underlining Styles’ significance within WWE and the wrestling world at large.
Phenomenal is an understatement. Respect is earned and few are more worthy of universal industry wide respect than @AJStylesOrg. Thank you AJ for all you’ve done for wrestling. From anyone who’s seen you and those lucky enough to share canvas with you.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 31, 2026
