The highly anticipated John Cena AJ Styles match was always planned to take place in Perth, Australia, rather than being a spontaneous decision fueled by social media interactions. According to insider information shared by Wrestling Observer Radio, the match was scheduled well in advance and much of the preceding drama was carefully orchestrated to build excitement and suspense ahead of the event on October 11.
Planned Build-Up Behind John Cena and AJ Styles’ Meeting in Perth
Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer Radio revealed that the showdown between John Cena and AJ Styles was never in doubt and long set for the Crown Jewel event in Perth. The apparent uncertainty created by Cena’s in-ring tribute to Styles and Styles’ somber promo during commercial breaks on RAW was part of a storyline designed to mislead fans and increase anticipation. The tribute, where Cena appeared to suggest he might not get to face Styles before retiring, was a tactic to heighten demand for the match rather than a reflection of reality.
Meltzer explained that the narrative helped craft a sense of urgency and exclusivity around the encounter. He said,
“This (John Cena vs. AJ Styles) match was always scheduled for Australia. Always. So the whole deal about Cena and AJ, with Cena doing the tribute to him because he wasn’t gonna get to wrestle him. That was actually to build to this match, that was not actually ever the case. The idea was they’d tell people ‘you’re not going to get this match’ — so to create a demand for the match, they basically told the story that Cena is paying tribute to him because he’s only got limited dates, and AJ ain’t getting it. Then AJ did that dark speech on RAW during the American commercials about how ‘I’m mad at how I’m being booked’ and whatever. It was all to build up this match.”
(Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio)
This storytelling strategy highlights WWE’s use of plot devices to keep fans guessing, making the eventual match a sought-after event, despite fans’ perception that social media had just recently sparked this rivalry.
John Cena’s Remaining Farewell Tour Matches and Potential Future Opponents
Following the Perth event, John Cena’s farewell tour is quickly nearing its conclusion, with only a handful of appearances left on the schedule. WWE has reportedly been organizing who Cena will face next, with insiders suggesting Dominik Mysterio, who holds both the AAA Mega Championship and WWE Intercontinental Championship, as a strong contender to step into the ring with Cena.
There is also speculation around a dream bout with Edge, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer currently signed with AEW, which would represent a notable cross-promotional match-up. However, no official announcement has been made regarding this possibility.
Cena’s itinerary includes upcoming RAW episodes on November 10 in Boston and November 17 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He will also appear at the Survivor Series: WarGames PLE event on November 29 in San Diego, California.
His farewell tour is expected to culminate in a final contest on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., marking the official close of his storied WWE career. Fans await the decision on his final opponent, adding a layer of suspense as the tour draws to an end.
Significance of the Match and What Lies Ahead For John Cena
The John Cena AJ Styles match in Perth holds more than just entertainment value; it symbolizes the twilight of Cena’s exceptional wrestling journey. Wrestling fans have followed Cena’s career for years, and this carefully constructed storyline underscores the emotional weight the WWE is placing on his farewell tour.
By orchestrating moments that suggest the match might never happen, WWE has intensified the spotlight on Cena’s final in-ring appearances, making each event critical to his legacy. The strategic booking of opponents like Dominik Mysterio and the possible Edge encounter keeps fans engaged, hinting that John Cena’s final matches will aim to leave a lasting impact not only on audiences but also on the wrestling industry as a whole.
As his farewell tour nears completion, Cena’s matches serve as a closing chapter for one of WWE’s most iconic figures, and the Perth match stands as a pivotal moment within that story.
“This (John Cena vs. AJ Styles) match was always scheduled for Australia. Always.
So the whole deal about Cena and AJ, with Cena doing the tribute to him because he wasn’t gonna get to wrestle him. That was actually to build to this match, that was not actually ever the case.… pic.twitter.com/RaDH6OvJj6
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 25, 2025
