Samoa Joe Praises Peers' Enduring Legacies as AJ Styles and John Cena Approach WWE Retirement

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a recent high-profile encounter at WWE Crown Jewel, John Cena and AJ Styles engaged in a deeply personal contest that not only revisited their storied rivalry but also served as an unexpected tribute to figures from their past. The match, which saw Styles ultimately defeat Cena, included a notable moment where "The Phenomenal One" utilized a Coquina Clutch, the signature rear-naked choke submission move long associated with current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Samoa Joe. The gesture resonated with Joe, who shared his sentiments on the tribute and the impending retirements of both Styles and Cena.

Speaking to CBS Sports ahead of his challenge for the AEW World Championship against "Hangman" Adam Page at Saturday’s WrestleDream pay-per-view, Joe expressed his appreciation for the acknowledgement. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated, underscoring the significance of being remembered in such a prominent setting. "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 applied by Styles was not an isolated incident but rather one of several subtle nods within the Crown Jewel match to professional wrestlers who were instrumental during the Spike TV era of Total Nonstop Action (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. Styles and Joe share a rich, storied history within TNA, having been foundational talents for the promotion during a period that saw them consistently deliver critically acclaimed matches and push the boundaries of professional wrestling. Their rivalry, spanning multiple years and championships, is widely regarded as one of the most compelling in TNA history, marked by high-stakes encounters for the X Division Championship, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and various King of the Mountain matches. Styles’ use of Joe’s move served as a poignant reminder of their shared past and the indelible mark they left on the industry prior to their respective transitions to WWE.

Beyond his extensive professional rivalry with Styles, Samoa Joe also possesses a unique and deeply personal connection to John Cena, despite the two never having competed against each other in a televised WWE match. Their paths initially converged during their formative years in professional wrestling, training and performing concurrently within the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This shared origin provided a different foundation for their bond. Joe humorously recounted an anecdote from those early days, detailing how Cena and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian once participated in an impromptu eating challenge, collectively consuming six pounds of chicken breasts from Joe’s father’s refrigerator. This shared experience highlights a camaraderie born in the grassroots of the industry, predating their global fame.

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The Crown Jewel encounter between Cena and Styles marked their fifth and, notably, final singles match, serving as a significant point on Cena’s ongoing "retirement tour." John Cena, a 17-time world champion across WWE and World Heavyweight Championship reigns, has announced his intention to retire from full-time in-ring competition at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. Cena’s career, which commenced in 2002, evolved from a villainous "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona to the company’s leading babyface and a global ambassador. His unparalleled success includes headlining numerous WrestleMania events, setting records for Make-A-Wish foundation grants, and a successful transition into Hollywood, appearing in major film franchises and television series. His part-time schedule in recent years has reflected this shift in priorities, with intermittent returns to WWE for high-profile matches and storylines.

Similarly, AJ Styles, a multiple-time WWE Champion and a Grand Slam Champion within the promotion, recently confirmed his own impending departure from in-ring competition, stating his intention to retire from WWE within the next year. Styles cited physical longevity as a primary motivator for his decision, expressing a desire to conclude his career "before my body can no longer move." Styles’ arrival in WWE in 2016 was met with significant anticipation, following an illustrious career that saw him become one of the most decorated and respected performers outside of WWE for over a decade. His tenure quickly established him as a top-tier talent, consistently delivering critically acclaimed matches and holding the WWE Championship for over 370 days across two reigns. His "Phenomenal One" moniker accurately reflects his reputation for high-flying, technically proficient, and intensely captivating performances.

Samoa Joe, currently an active competitor in AEW and vying for one of professional wrestling’s most prestigious titles, offered a nuanced perspective on the retirements of his longtime peers. While acknowledging the sadness fans might feel at the departure of such iconic figures, Joe emphasized his personal happiness for both men. "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’ influence on the modern style of professional wrestling. "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 further elaborated on his "different perspective" regarding their retirements. "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 a shared understanding among long-tenured athletes regarding the physical and mental toll of a demanding career and the desire for a fulfilling post-performance life.

Joe himself has openly discussed the finite nature of his own career, confirming that he would likely retire whenever his current AEW contract expires. His current pursuit of the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream signifies a veteran still operating at the highest level, aiming to add another major championship to a career that has spanned over two decades and seen him capture titles in Ring of Honor, TNA, WWE NXT, and AEW.

The impending retirements of John Cena and AJ Styles will undoubtedly leave a significant void in WWE and the broader professional wrestling landscape. Their careers represent distinct eras and styles, yet both achieved unparalleled success and commanded immense fan loyalty. Cena’s mainstream appeal and tireless work ethic, combined with Styles’ innovative in-ring artistry and consistent excellence, have set high benchmarks for future generations of performers. As these legends transition away from full-time competition, the industry will reflect on their collective contributions and the enduring legacies they leave behind, which continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Samoa Joe’s comments serve as a testament to the deep respect and camaraderie that often exists among those who have dedicated their lives to the demanding world of professional wrestling, even as their paths diverge in retirement.