During the acclaimed 2017 Royal Rumble championship match, John Cena explained why he and AJ Styles made the unusual choice to remain inside the ring the entire time, revealing it was a deliberate decision to showcase their wrestling talent. The strategy behind John Cena staying in ring during 2017 Royal Rumble match highlighted the competitive spirit and creative determination of both superstars, marking a pivotal moment in WWE history.
What Drove Cena and Styles to Stay Inside the Ring?
John Cena and AJ Styles entered their 2017 Royal Rumble championship match with a plan unlike most high-profile bouts. Instead of relying on theatrics or leaving the ring to add drama, both athletes committed to keeping the action between the ropes, letting their technical abilities carry the night. This choice set their match apart from the typical Royal Rumble environment, where wrestlers frequently leave the ring to use the outside space.
This championship match held massive significance for John Cena, as he defeated AJ Styles to claim his 16th WWE world championship—a record-tying feat alongside the legendary Ric Flair. The match was celebrated for its relentless pace and for both competitors continuously pushing each other’s limits, dazzling the live audience and fans watching around the world.
As the contest played out, one aspect grabbed the attention of wrestling fans and analysts: neither Cena nor Styles left the ring. Their refusal to break the boundaries of the squared circle became a talking point, defying expectations and challenging each other to engage in pure wrestling skill.
John Cena Shares His Perspective on the Unique Approach
Opening up about their bold strategy, John Cena spoke to WWE’s The Bump, shedding light on the intentions behind the confined in-ring action. He explained that both he and Styles wanted to rely exclusively on their wrestling proficiency, without leaning on ringside antics or extraneous gimmicks.
In the Royal Rumble where the goal of the match is to get everyone to leave the ring. We took a broad look at that. What if for a championship match we didn’t leave the ring? What would that look like?
—John Cena, WWE Superstar
According to Cena, this approach was a way of challenging themselves, pushing the bar to display true wrestling without taking the fight outside. Throughout the match, the energy remained high and the crowd stayed thoroughly engaged as Cena and Styles crafted a main-event spectacle focused entirely within the ring.
The memorable victory, however, was followed by a short championship reign for Cena. Just weeks after the Royal Rumble, Bray Wyatt dethroned Cena at the Elimination Chamber. Even though his time as champion was brief, that historic moment—winning his 16th world title—remained deeply meaningful, as it not only reaffirmed Cena’s legacy but also highlighted what made that Royal Rumble encounter memorable.
AJ Styles Reflects on the Match’s Lasting Impact
AJ Styles also discussed his memories from the 2017 Royal Rumble contest during a WWE interview. Like Cena, Styles expressed immense pride in their performance, emphasizing how rare it is for a match to remain solely within the ropes from start to finish. Styles placed special value on the contest, ranking it among the most significant matches he has had.
I think about this match with John Cena, and I would say, out of all the matches I’ve had, this was the best one. A lot of people don’t know this, but we never left the ring in this match. We never went outside of the ring; it was all in the ring, which is not really heard of these days. I’m really proud of that match
—AJ Styles, WWE Superstar
Styles explained that executing a match entirely inside the ring is a rare feat, especially in modern wrestling, where the temptation to venture outside often helps keep the action fresh. He noted that remaining inside creates creative challenges, with wrestlers at risk of repeating moves or losing crowd engagement, yet the match with Cena overcame those hurdles through energetic pacing and constant innovation.
Their ability to hold the audience’s attention demonstrated not only their skills but their willingness to break conventions in pursuit of excellence. The live audience, as well as fans at home, responded enthusiastically to the relentless pace and creative maneuvers showcased by both competitors.
The Legacy of Cena vs. Styles at the 2017 Royal Rumble
The decision by John Cena and AJ Styles to keep the 2017 Royal Rumble championship fight strictly inside the ring stands as a testament to their status among the top WWE superstars. Their approach redefined what a main-event wrestling match could be—by committing to pure in-ring action, they reminded fans and wrestlers alike of the excitement that technical skill and storytelling can deliver without relying on outside-the-ring drama.
This memorable match not only tied John Cena with Ric Flair for the most world championship wins but also demonstrated the lasting impact of creative choices in sports entertainment. Wrestlers such as Bray Wyatt, who shortly after unseated Cena at Elimination Chamber, became part of the ongoing narrative in WWE’s storied history. However, the Royal Rumble bout between Cena and Styles remains a highlight for its distinctive approach and execution, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what bold steps WWE’s biggest stars will take next inside the ring.
