At WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, John Cena and AJ Styles delivered an electrifying final match against each other, but The Franchise Player recently disclosed that this matchup was not originally planned. Cena’s retirement tour included appearances on both WWE brands throughout last year, and his last bout against Styles was a last-minute decision sparked by both wrestlers’ interest shared on social media.
During an interview on No Contest Wrestling, Cena explained that management had to make several adjustments during his final run. Initially, Drew McIntyre was supposed to be his opponent in Perth rather than AJ Styles.
“I tried to plan it as a year of creative experiences. You also have to be able to pivot. AJ [Styles] was supposed to be Drew [McIntyre]. We pivoted, but we wanted to give them a feel-good moment because they were listening to the data points. Like they listen to you guys. They do. It’s real,” Cena said.
The change was designed to provide fans with an uplifting experience during Cena’s farewell tour while adapting to evolving circumstances.
Farewells and Future Plans for AJ Styles
Both Cena and Styles eventually lost their final wrestling matches to Gunther, with Cena officially retiring in December. AJ Styles, however, has shown uncertainty regarding his future, with recent appearances in Saudi Arabia raising questions about his next steps.
WWE recently announced plans for a tribute episode on WWE RAW dedicated to Styles. Set to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, the event may feature Styles in attendance, potentially involving him in ongoing storylines, such as Dragon Lee’s feud with Gunther. While Cena is unlikely to participate, the tribute show aims to honor Styles’ contributions to the company.
Significance of the Match Change and Tribute
The unexpected switch from Drew McIntyre to AJ Styles highlights WWE’s responsive approach during Cena’s retirement tour, balancing fan expectations and creative opportunities. This flexibility underscores how WWE values audience engagement through data-driven decisions.
The upcoming tribute for Styles on RAW represents WWE’s recognition of his impact on the industry and its willingness to celebrate its performers in meaningful ways. Fans can anticipate this event in Atlanta as a chance to honor Styles and follow the continuation of key rivalries like Dragon Lee versus Gunther.
