arthur roy sitompulThe recent WWE Crown Jewel event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, served as a pivotal moment for two of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures, John Cena and AJ Styles, as they contested what was billed as their fifth and final singles encounter. The highly anticipated match, which saw Styles emerge victorious, was not only a high point of the show but also featured poignant nods to their shared history and the broader landscape of the industry. Notably, AJ Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, the signature rear-naked choke submission maneuver long associated with Samoa Joe, a move that resonated deeply with the current AEW star.
Samoa Joe, a competitor with a rich, intertwined history with both Cena and Styles, expressed profound appreciation for the tribute. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe remarked to CBS Sports, prior to his challenge against "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at the WrestleDream pay-per-view. "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 Coquina Clutch, a move synonymous with Joe’s dominant run in promotions like Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action (TNA), served as a powerful callback, not just to Joe himself, but implicitly to a significant era of professional wrestling that saw Styles, Joe, and many others forge their reputations outside of WWE.
The usage of the Coquina Clutch by Styles carried particular weight, referencing his legendary rivalry with Samoa Joe that defined a significant portion of TNA’s "Spike TV era." This period, from the mid-2000s, saw TNA emerge as a viable alternative to WWE, largely on the backs of innovative in-ring performers like Styles and Joe, whose matches were critically acclaimed for their intensity and athleticism. Their series of encounters, particularly their triple threat match with Christopher Daniels at Unbreakable 2005, is often cited as one of the greatest matches in professional wrestling history, showcasing a blend of high-flying, technical prowess, and brutal physicality that elevated all three men and the company itself. For Styles to incorporate Joe’s signature move in such a high-profile WWE match, against a legend like John Cena, underscored the enduring impact of their shared past and the cross-promotional respect within the industry. It symbolized a recognition of the foundational contributions made by wrestlers who were cornerstones of that vibrant, competitive era.
Beyond their TNA history, Samoa Joe also shares a unique and deeply personal connection with John Cena, despite the two never having faced each other in a televised WWE match. Their paths initially crossed during their formative years in professional wrestling, both training and performing for Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW), a now-defunct California-based promotion that served as a significant developmental territory in the late 1990s and early 2000s. UPW was instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous future WWE and TNA stars, providing a proving ground for their nascent talents. Joe recounted an anecdote from those early days, illustrating the camaraderie and competitive spirit that characterized their beginnings. He recalled an impromptu eating challenge involving Cena and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian, where the duo managed to consume six pounds of chicken breasts from Joe’s father’s refrigerator, a testament to their dedication to physique and perhaps their youthful appetites. This shared experience highlights the profound bond forged between wrestlers during their arduous journey through independent circuits, long before they ascended to global superstardom.
Related News :
- WWE’s ‘The Last Time is Now’ Tournament Intensifies, Defining John Cena’s Final Opponent
- San Diego Prepares for High-Stakes Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 as WWE Heavyweights Collide
- The Road Ahead: WWE’s Post-SummerSlam Landscape and the Trajectories of Cena, Rhodes, and Rollins into 2025.
- WWE Establishes New Tentpole Event ‘Wrestlepalooza’ for September, Featuring John Cena’s Retirement Tour and Key Star Appearances
- Dwayne Johnson Endures Authentic Blow Filming ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Director Pursues Unflinching Realism
The Crown Jewel match between Cena and Styles marked a significant milestone, being their fifth and final singles encounter, adding another chapter to their acclaimed rivalry. This match took place amidst a backdrop of impending retirements for both men, signaling a generational shift in the landscape of professional wrestling. John Cena, a monumental figure in WWE history and a 17-time world champion, is currently on an extensive "retirement tour," with his final WWE match officially scheduled for "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event" on December 13. Similarly, AJ Styles, another multi-time world champion across various promotions, recently confirmed his intention to step away from in-ring competition within the next year, stating his desire to retire before his body can no longer perform at the elite level expected of "The Phenomenal One."
Samoa Joe, who himself has indicated that he will likely retire once his current AEW contract expires, offered a perspective that transcended the sadness often associated with the departure of beloved legends. While acknowledging the sentiments of fans who are naturally saddened to see these long-standing pillars of the industry conclude their careers, Joe expressed a different, more profound sense of happiness for his longtime friends. "AJ is one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling," Joe stated, emphasizing Styles’ groundbreaking style and influence. "He’s definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler and expanded that category." This acknowledgment underscores Styles’ innovative approach to in-ring performance, which blended high-flying acrobatics with intricate technical wrestling, setting a new standard for main event talent.
Joe continued, "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." The enduring presence of Cena and Styles at the forefront of professional wrestling for two decades has indeed shaped the experiences of generations of fans, making their impending departures particularly poignant. Cena’s unparalleled mainstream appeal and his "Never Give Up" ethos transcended the wrestling world, making him a global icon and a role model for millions. Styles, on the other hand, built a reputation as arguably the greatest in-ring performer of his generation, seamlessly transitioning from indie darling to TNA cornerstone to WWE main eventer, collecting numerous championships along the way.
Joe’s perspective, however, offered a more personal and celebratory view: "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." This sentiment reflects the immense physical and mental toll that a career in professional wrestling demands. The ability to retire on one’s own terms, in good health, and with a sense of fulfillment is a significant achievement in an industry known for its punishing schedule and career-shortening injuries.
The "great future prospects of other things on the horizon" could encompass a variety of post-wrestling endeavors for Cena and Styles. Cena has already established a highly successful acting career in Hollywood, demonstrating a seamless transition from the wrestling ring to the silver screen. Styles, with his vast experience and reputation, could explore roles in coaching, talent development, or ambassadorial positions within wrestling, or pursue personal interests outside the squared circle. As these titans of the industry prepare to embark on their next chapters, their collective legacy—defined by unparalleled in-ring excellence, groundbreaking character work, and cross-promotional impact—will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans alike. The tribute at Crown Jewel and Samoa Joe’s heartfelt remarks serve as a testament to the profound respect and camaraderie that often underlies the competitive world of professional wrestling, celebrating careers that have truly changed the game.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
WWEDecember 16, 2025Samoa Joe Praises AJ Styles and John Cena’s Enduring Legacies Following WWE Crown Jewel Tribute and Retirement Announcements- WWEDecember 15, 2025World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins Confirms Extended Hiatus, Title Vacated Amidst Shoulder Injury
- WWEDecember 15, 2025WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: Where to watch, start time, matches, live stream
- WWEDecember 14, 2025San Diego Prepares for High-Stakes Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 as WWE Heavyweights Collide
Ali Akbar Rosady
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin