Samoa Joe Offers Insights on AJ Styles and John Cena’s WWE Crown Jewel Tribute and Approaching Retirements.

At WWE Crown Jewel, held on November 4, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, professional wrestling veterans John Cena and AJ Styles engaged in a deeply personal and physically demanding contest, drawing extensively from their shared histories and the broader tapestry of their careers. The match, which stood out as a highlight of the event, saw both competitors incorporate signature maneuvers of past rivals, notably including Samoa Joe, a figure who holds significant historical connections with both Styles and Cena.

During their intense encounter, AJ Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, Samoa Joe’s long-established rear-naked choke submission. This specific maneuver served as a deliberate homage from Styles to his legendary rival from their tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. The inclusion of the Coquina Clutch was one of several acknowledgments within the match dedicated to professional wrestlers who were instrumental in defining the company’s "Spike TV era," a period widely regarded for its innovative in-ring action and compelling narratives.

Samoa Joe, currently a prominent figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), expressed his appreciation for the tribute. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated, reflecting on the moment. His comments were made prior to his own high-stakes challenge against "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 1, 2023. "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 professional paths of Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, and John Cena are deeply intertwined, characterized by parallel ascensions and shared developmental stages within the wrestling industry. While Samoa Joe and AJ Styles forged a legendary rivalry that defined an era of TNA, Joe’s connection with John Cena predates their mainstream success, tracing back to their formative years in professional wrestling.

Related News :

R-Truth Explains WWE’s Shift from Ron Killings Character, Citing Fan Outcry

Despite never having a televised match against each other in WWE, Joe and Cena share a profound, deeply personal connection. Their careers commenced around the same period, with both individuals training and performing in the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. UPW, founded in 1999, served as a crucial developmental ground for numerous future WWE and TNA stars, providing a proving ground for their burgeoning talents. Joe recounted a memorable anecdote from their early days, detailing how Cena and fellow UPW trainee Frankie Kazarian once emptied his father’s refrigerator, each consuming six pounds of chicken breasts in an impromptu eating challenge – a testament to the camaraderie and intense dedication that characterized their beginnings.

The rivalry between AJ Styles and Samoa Joe in TNA stands as one of the most celebrated in modern professional wrestling history. Their encounters, particularly during the mid-2000s, were critical in establishing TNA’s identity as a viable alternative to WWE. Matches such as their triple threat bout with Christopher Daniels at TNA Unbreakable 2005 are frequently cited by critics and fans alike as seminal moments, showcasing a faster, more athletic, and technically proficient style that would influence a generation of wrestlers. Styles, often dubbed "The Phenomenal One," and Joe, known for his unique blend of submission prowess and striking ability, consistently delivered high-quality performances that elevated the company and solidified their status as global wrestling icons before their respective transitions to WWE.

The Crown Jewel match between Cena and Styles marked their fifth and, notably, final singles encounter, serving as a poignant stop on John Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. Cena, recognized as a 17-time world champion—a record shared with Ric Flair for the most world championship reigns in professional wrestling history—has publicly indicated that his final WWE match is scheduled for "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event" on December 13. Cena’s recent years have seen him transition into a successful acting career in Hollywood, leading to a more sporadic presence in WWE. His farewell tour symbolizes the winding down of a monumental in-ring career that spanned over two decades and positioned him as the face of WWE for much of the 2000s and early 2010s.

Similarly, AJ Styles recently confirmed his intention to retire from active in-ring competition within the next year. Styles, whose career trajectory has seen him achieve main event status in multiple major promotions, including TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and WWE, has often been lauded for his versatility, innovation, and ability to adapt to various wrestling styles. His decision to retire is driven by a desire to conclude his career on his own terms, stating, "I want to [retire] before my body can no longer move."

Samoa Joe, who also indicated that his own retirement is likely to coincide with the expiration of his current AEW contract, expressed a nuanced perspective on the impending departures of his longtime friends. While acknowledging the sadness many fans may feel, Joe conveyed a sense of happiness and pride for Cena and Styles.

"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, highlighting Styles’ indelible impact on the sport. "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 perspective, however, deviates from the immediate sorrow often associated with a legend’s retirement. "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." His comments underscore the physical and mental toll of a career in professional wrestling and the importance of a healthy transition into post-wrestling life.

The impending retirements of John Cena and AJ Styles, observed through the lens of a peer like Samoa Joe, signify the closing of a significant chapter in professional wrestling. Their careers, marked by unparalleled success, groundbreaking matches, and a profound influence on the industry, leave behind legacies that will continue to inspire future generations. The tribute at Crown Jewel, specifically the Coquina Clutch, served as a powerful reminder of the deep connections and mutual respect that exist among these titans of the squared circle as they prepare to embark on new phases of their lives.