The build-up to John Cena’s upcoming match against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel has been revealed as part of a carefully orchestrated plan by WWE. This match marks a key moment during Cena’s final year as a WWE Superstar, set against the backdrop of his retirement scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event in December.
After a crushing defeat by Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, Cena is poised to regain momentum with a high-profile bout at Crown Jewel. Fans have long desired another showdown between Cena and AJ Styles, and while Cena publicly expressed hope on social media that the match would happen, WWE had in fact planned the bout well in advance. This strategic move acknowledges both the legacy of these former rivals and the strong fan interest that their rematch generates.
The Social Media Strategy Behind the Cena-Styles Match
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, the apparent uncertainty around the match was a deliberate angle created through social media. Cena “pretended he wants this match” and Styles echoed this sentiment, encouraging fans to voice their desire for the bout. WWE Executive Paul Levesque (Triple H) then responded by announcing the match, an approach that built excitement and anticipation for Crown Jewel.
“They did a little social media gimmick. Essentially, Cena pretended he wants this match and AJ said he wants this match, and they got fans to say they wanted the match. Paul Levesque said, ‘I hear you fans and I’m going to give you this match.’ So they used social media to do an angle.” – Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Meltzer explained that the match was always scheduled for Crown Jewel in Australia and that the narrative of Cena paying tribute to Styles because there wouldn’t be a match initially was crafted to generate interest. The storyline deliberately led fans to believe the match might never happen, creating demand and anticipation for the eventual showdown.
“By the way, this match was always scheduled for Australia. Always. So the whole deal with Cena and AJ, the idea was Cena was doing a 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.” – Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
The storyline also aimed to suggest that given Cena’s limited availability in his final year, and Styles’ status, their meeting in the ring was unlikely—making the actual scheduling of Crown Jewel even more compelling for fans.
“The idea was they would tell people, you’re not gonna get this match, which meant people were – nobody was gonna clamour for the match – so to create a demand for the match, they basically told the story that Cena’s paying tribute to him because he’s only got limited dates, and AJ ain’t getting it.” – Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Meltzer also noted that Styles’ recent promo targeting WWE management tied in with the promotional build toward his match with Cena, enhancing the storyline’s tension and stakes ahead of Crown Jewel.
John Cena’s Final Year and Key Matches Ahead
John Cena’s involvement in Crown Jewel is one of the last major events shaping his final year as an active WWE Superstar. His retirement plans have set the tone for a series of special matches, including tributes to past rivals. These encounters highlight the significant moments of Cena’s career while providing fans with memorable wrestling experiences before his exit from full-time competition.
Following his difficult loss to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, the match against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel offers Cena a chance to redeem himself and deliver another high-caliber performance. WWE’s strategic planning behind this matchup reinforces its importance, ensuring it fits seamlessly into Cena’s concluding storyline arc.
Context on Other WWE Developments and Rivalries
The wrestling landscape remains dynamic, with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously. Recent events include Stephanie Vaquer, the new Women’s World Champion, navigating unexpected online controversies, and ongoing tensions within factions such as Judgment Day featuring Dominik Mysterio.
Meanwhile, WWE’s competition with other wrestling promotions continues to escalate, as seen in incidents like the invasion of WWE NXT by TNA stars, resulting in chaotic brawls. Brock Lesnar remains a central figure, advertised for upcoming major WWE events that promise further high-stakes action.
What This Means for WWE Fans and Future Events
Revealing that the John Cena vs. AJ Styles match was pre-planned and strategically promoted demonstrates WWE’s approach to engaging fans through layered storytelling and interactive social media tactics. The match not only satisfies long-standing fan requests but also adds depth to Cena’s final run, making Crown Jewel a pivotal event in the WWE calendar.
As Cena nears retirement, every match carries heightened significance, and the carefully crafted anticipation for his bout with Styles ensures maximum attention and emotional investment. WWE is poised to leverage this storyline to maintain strong audience interest through the remainder of the year, while setting the stage for future narratives beyond Cena’s departure.
