John Cena delivered an unexpected farewell gesture for fellow WWE star AJ Styles during their match at Crown Jewel, marking a unique moment in Cena’s final year in the wrestling ring. Known as The Last Real Champion, Cena retired officially on December 13, after competing against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, closing a celebrated career that had been planned and announced months ahead.
In contrast, AJ Styles retired quietly following his loss to the Ring General at last year’s Royal Rumble, without the fanfare Cena experienced. Cena discussed their contrasting retirements in a recent interview on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, revealing why he took it upon himself to honor Styles in a special way during Crown Jewel.
“I immediately was like, He’s not going to get a sendoff; he’s going to get one in Australia,’ and a lot of people love AJ Styles. I love AJ Styles. We use the word love when we communicate. Like he’s a person close to my life. He’s brought the best out of me,” he said. – John Cena
How Cena Planned the Unexpected Tribute for AJ Styles
The idea for the tribute arose when Cena connected the timing of their retirement matches. He realized their final opponents could be the same, which sparked the idea to give Styles a memorable sendoff to match the significance of his career. They arranged a match in Australia to provide the perfect setting for this moment.
“So when he’s like, ‘I’m out in the Rumble.’ And I kind of put the math together of like, ‘Oh, my last opponent is his last opponent probably. Yeah, that makes sense.’ I know how I’d put that match together. We got a freebie in Australia. ‘Yeah, let’s go,'” Cena explained. – John Cena
During their match, Cena created a spontaneous moment by handing a note to the ring announcer, who then introduced Styles as the face of TNA and the undisputed leader of the Bullet Club—phrases not typically scripted in WWE. This unplanned salute added weight to their rivalry and friendship.
AJ Styles Reacts to Cena’s Off-Script Tribute and Backstage Reactions
The tribute surprised WWE officials and caused some backstage commotion, as it was not authorized by the company’s scripting. AJ Styles, appearing on the Six Feet Under with The Undertaker show, revealed that Cena had “got into trouble” for his improvised actions, leaving Styles curious about any consequences Cena might face.
Their match was widely praised by fans and commentators, showcasing mutual respect and nods to the wrestlers who shaped their careers. Following this event, AJ Styles is scheduled to receive an official retirement tribute on WWE’s RAW program next week in Atlanta, Georgia, providing a formal and celebrated farewell to his storied career.
The Significance of Cena’s Gesture and What It Means for WWE
John Cena’s unscripted tribute at Crown Jewel highlights the deep connections and respect among WWE wrestlers, even amid scripted performances. This moment underscores how personal relationships can transcend planned storylines, enriching the experience for both wrestlers and fans alike. As Styles prepares for his official sendoff on RAW, Cena’s gesture has set a precedent for sincere and heartfelt farewells in the wrestling world, potentially influencing how future retirements are honored within WWE.
