Veteran Samoa Joe Reflects on John Cena and AJ Styles' Imminent Retirements and Crown Jewel Tributes

The recent WWE Crown Jewel event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, served as a significant chapter in the ongoing careers of two of professional wrestling’s most enduring figures, John Cena and AJ Styles, whose high-profile match featured poignant homages to their shared past, including a notable tribute to current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star, Samoa Joe. The contest, which saw Cena and Styles delve deep into their respective wrestling histories, resonated across the industry, particularly with those whose paths had intertwined with the celebrated duo.

During the intensely contested bout, Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, Samoa Joe’s signature rear-naked choke submission maneuver. This particular move was a deliberate nod from Styles to his storied rivalry with Joe during their tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. The inclusion of the Coquina Clutch was one of several such dedications to professional wrestlers who were foundational figures during TNA’s "Spike TV era," a period widely regarded for its innovative in-ring action and groundbreaking talent.

Samoa Joe, currently a prominent figure in AEW and set to challenge "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at the upcoming WrestleDream pay-per-view, expressed his appreciation for the gesture. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated in an interview with CBS Sports, reflecting on the tribute. "Both those men are people I have unyielding respect for. I’m so happy to see they’ve enjoyed the successes they have had in their life. It was wonderful to be thought of in their big moment."

The intricate tapestry of professional wrestling careers often sees performers cross paths multiple times, but the connections between Joe, Styles, and Cena extend beyond the squared circle. Joe’s professional history with AJ Styles is well-documented, marked by a series of critically acclaimed matches that defined an era of non-WWE wrestling. Their rivalry in TNA, particularly during the mid-2000s, produced classics such such as their triple threat match with Christopher Daniels at Unbreakable 2005, a contest widely lauded as one of the greatest matches in professional wrestling history. Styles and Joe, alongside Daniels, were instrumental in elevating the X-Division and establishing TNA as a viable alternative to WWE, captivating audiences with their athletic prowess and storytelling. Styles, known as "The Phenomenal One," held multiple TNA World Heavyweight, X-Division, and Tag Team Championships during this period, often with Joe as a formidable adversary or occasional ally. Joe, meanwhile, carved out his own legendary status with an unprecedented 645-day reign as ROH World Champion before his dominant run in TNA, where he captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, the X-Division Championship five times, and the Television Championship, among others.

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While Joe and Styles engaged in numerous televised battles, Samoa Joe’s connection to John Cena is characterized by a different, yet equally profound, shared history. Despite never having wrestled each other on WWE television, their roots run deep, tracing back to the nascent stages of their careers. Both men commenced their professional wrestling journeys around the same time, training and performing in the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. UPW served as a significant developmental territory for WWE at the time, fostering talents who would go on to achieve global recognition. It was during these formative years that a unique bond was forged. Joe humorously recounted a specific anecdote from their UPW days, recalling how Cena and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian once engaged in an impromptu eating challenge, famously cleaning out his father’s refrigerator by consuming six pounds of chicken breasts. This personal anecdote underscores the enduring camaraderie that exists among these veterans, highlighting the shared experiences that predate their superstardom.

The Crown Jewel encounter between Cena and Styles marked their fifth and, as reported, final singles match, serving as a significant benchmark on what is widely perceived as Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. John Cena, a 16-time world champion (often cited as a 17-time champion in various narratives, tying or surpassing Ric Flair’s official record), has transitioned to a highly successful career in Hollywood, leading to a reduction in his wrestling appearances. His final WWE match is currently scheduled for "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event" on December 13, signaling the imminent conclusion of his full-time in-ring career. Cena’s impact on professional wrestling is immense, having served as the face of WWE for over a decade, headlining multiple WrestleMania events, and becoming synonymous with the company’s "Ruthless Aggression" and "PG" eras. His dedication to philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he holds the record for the most wishes granted by a single individual, further solidifies his legacy beyond his athletic achievements.

AJ Styles, another pivotal figure in modern wrestling, recently confirmed his own intentions to retire from in-ring competition within the next year. Styles articulated his desire to conclude his career "before my body can no longer move," a sentiment shared by many high-impact performers in a physically demanding industry. His journey to WWE was unconventional, having spent the prime of his career as a cornerstone of TNA and later as a leader in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) with the Bullet Club faction, where he captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. His eventual debut in WWE in 2016 was met with widespread acclaim, and he quickly ascended to the main event picture, becoming a two-time WWE Champion and a Grand Slam Champion. Styles’ innovative offense, unparalleled athleticism, and ability to connect with diverse audiences have solidified his reputation as "The Phenomenal One" and a global icon.

Samoa Joe, currently competing at a high level in AEW, also acknowledged his own career trajectory, confirming that he would likely retire whenever his current AEW contract expires. This collective shift among these generational talents reflects a natural progression within professional sports, where even the most durable athletes eventually face the decision to step away from active competition. While Joe acknowledged the potential sadness felt by fans witnessing the departure of these legends, his perspective as a long-time peer and friend offered a different sentiment.

"AJ is one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling. He’s definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler and expanded that category," Joe remarked, praising Styles’ innovative approach to the craft. "Much like John, both had fantastic careers. I know for many fans it’s sad to see them go, and I can obviously see why. They’ve been such a big part of the industry for so long."

Joe’s empathy for the fanbase was palpable, yet overshadowed by his profound happiness for his longtime friends. "For me, it’s a bit of a different perspective. I’m super happy for them both. These are both men who’ve achieved in this industry. They really have careers they can kick back their feet and look at with tremendous pride and satisfaction. I’m always happy to see people enter that phase of their life in a healthy manner with great future prospects of other things on the horizon."

The retirements of John Cena and AJ Styles, and the eventual winding down of Samoa Joe’s own illustrious career, signify a changing of the guard in professional wrestling. Their collective legacies, marked by groundbreaking performances, numerous championships, and profound influence on the industry, will undoubtedly endure, continuing to inspire future generations of performers and captivate fans worldwide. The tributes exchanged at Crown Jewel served not only as a nostalgic glance at the past but also as a respectful acknowledgement of the indelible marks these athletes have left on the landscape of sports entertainment.