John Cena expressed why it was important for him to deliver a heartfelt sendoff to AJ Styles during their match at WWE Crown Jewel in 2025. Learning that Styles planned to retire at the Royal Rumble, Cena realized his longtime colleague might miss out on the recognition he truly deserved in WWE.
Speaking on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Cena said,
“When he told me that he was going to retire at the Royal Rumble, when we were planning our thing in Australia, I immediately was like, he’s not going to get a sendoff,”
and added,
“I told myself he’s going to get one in Australia.”
This determination prompted Cena to ensure their match would be a fitting tribute to Styles’ remarkable career.
Deep Respect Behind Their Final Rivalry
Throughout their renewed rivalry, Cena revealed the profound respect he holds for AJ Styles, both as a competitor and as a person who influenced his performance in the ring. He described Styles as a close friend and a competitor who consistently brought out the best in him.
Cena shared,
“A lot of people love AJ Styles. I love AJ Styles,”
and continued,
“He’s a person close to my life. He’s brought the best out of me, he’s virtuous, he’s a nice guy. He’ll give his body for the business until he can’t go anymore. And he never wants to be a diminished version of himself.”
This admiration shaped how Cena approached their final encounter.
Creating a Match That Honored a Storied Career
With the understanding that this bout could be one of Styles’ last significant WWE appearances, Cena carefully designed the match to highlight Styles’ full range of talents while celebrating their shared history. The match included nods to many wrestlers both men had faced over their careers, aiming to serve as a tribute to the wrestling community.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H later described the bout as a “love letter to pro wrestling,” recognizing the homage paid through the action and storytelling. Cena explained,
“I started doing some homage moves knowing that I had him,”
adding,
“I’m like, ‘Dude, you do so much stuff. I want to have a match where you can do all your stuff.’”
The plan evolved further when Styles suggested adding tributes to performers he admired from his time in TNA Wrestling. Cena recalled,
“He said, ‘What if I do it as a homage to the guys I dig in TNA?’ And I said, ‘That’s perfect.’”
This collaborative approach resulted in a meaningful and personal contest that highlighted Styles’ entire journey.
The Significance of Their Farewell Moment
Although John Cena was not present for AJ Styles’ final WWE appearance following his own retirement match, their encounter at Crown Jewel symbolized the closing of a significant chapter in WWE history. Their rivalry, which has spanned years, helped shape an era and left a lasting impact on fans and performers alike.
This carefully crafted sendoff not only celebrated AJ Styles’ achievements but also emphasized the respect and admiration that exists between two of WWE’s most influential wrestlers. As Styles moves forward from WWE, this match will remain a memorable highlight showcasing passion, dedication, and the deep bonds forged by competition.
