Although it appeared the encounter between John Cena and AJ Styles was arranged after fan interest spiked, new information reveals that the WWE Crown Jewel match planning began well in advance. The bout, set for October 11 in Perth, Australia, was part of a deliberate strategy rather than a reaction to audience demand.
Intentional Storyline to Build Anticipation
Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer explained that the Cena-Styles match was always intended for Australia, disproving the notion that it arose spontaneously. He stated,
“This (John Cena vs. AJ Styles) match was always scheduled for Australia. Always,”
highlighting that previous story elements were designed to increase anticipation. Meltzer elaborated on the storyline designed to create demand by suggesting fans would not get to see the match immediately:
“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
How Cena’s Tribute Fueled Speculation
At WWE Clash in Paris, Cena honored Styles by using Styles’ signature move, the Styles Clash, on Logan Paul. Cena remarked on his retirement tour limitations, explaining that while he could not face every wrestler, he aimed to pay respect through adopting their signature moves. This tribute led many to believe that a Cena vs. Styles bout might never happen again. However, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, known as Triple H, dispelled those doubts by confirming the match at Crown Jewel.
Significance of the Match and What Lies Ahead
Understanding that the match was preplanned sheds light on the carefully woven narrative WWE used to engage fans. This strategy generated emotional tension and excitement leading up to the Crown Jewel event. With John Cena’s ongoing retirement tour adding weight to the confrontation, and the location set in Perth adding prestige, this match holds significance as one of the final high-profile clashes of Cena’s career. The anticipation crafted through the storyline is likely to draw considerable attention and viewership.
“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
