Samoa Joe reacts to AJ Styles and John Cena retiring, WWE Crown Jewel tribute: 'It's incredibly cool'

The contest between Cena and Styles, which marked their fifth and potentially final encounter in WWE, was a focal point of the Crown Jewel card. During the intense battle, Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, a signature submission maneuver famously utilized by Samoa Joe. This unexpected move was a direct homage from Styles to his legendary TNA rival, Samoa Joe, and was recognized as one of several nods throughout the match to the professional wrestlers who were instrumental during the Spike TV era of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling.

Samoa Joe, currently a prominent competitor in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), expressed his sentiments regarding the tribute and the broader context of Cena and Styles winding down their careers. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated in an interview with 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 rear-naked choke submission, has been synonymous with Samoa Joe’s career since his formative years, becoming one of the most feared finishers in professional wrestling. Its deployment by Styles at Crown Jewel underscored the deep, intertwined history between the two athletes, whose rivalry in TNA spanned multiple years and produced some of the most critically acclaimed matches of the mid-2000s. Their series of encounters, particularly during the period when TNA gained significant viewership on Spike TV, established both Styles and Joe as cornerstone figures for the promotion, pushing the boundaries of in-ring athleticism and storytelling. Joe’s praise for Styles as "one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling" and "definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler" reflects the profound impact Styles had on the industry, pioneering a style that blended high-flying acrobatics with technical precision and impactful power moves, influencing a generation of performers globally before his eventual arrival in WWE in 2016.

Beyond his storied rivalry with Styles, Samoa Joe also shares a distinct and deeply personal connection with John Cena, despite the two never having wrestled each other in a televised WWE match. Their paths converged at the very nascent stages of their professional careers, as both began training and performing around the same time in the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. UPW, founded in 1999 by Rick Bassman, served as a significant developmental territory and independent platform during the late 1990s and early 2000s, nurturing talents who would later become global superstars. It was within this environment that Joe, Cena, and others such as Frankie Kazarian honed their craft. Joe recounted a particularly memorable anecdote from their UPW days, where Cena and Kazarian engaged in an impromptu eating challenge at Joe’s father’s residence, each consuming an astonishing six pounds of chicken breasts. This shared experience highlights the camaraderie and foundational bonds forged between these athletes long before their respective ascensions to superstardom in WWE and other promotions.

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The Crown Jewel match between Cena and Styles held additional weight given the public pronouncements regarding their respective retirements from full-time in-ring competition. John Cena, a 17-time world champion by some counts and the long-standing "Face That Runs the Place" in WWE, has been increasingly transitioning into a prominent Hollywood acting career. His appearance at Crown Jewel was part of an ongoing series of limited engagements that many fans have dubbed his "retirement tour." The original report indicated that Cena is slated to retire at "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event" on December 13, marking a significant milestone in his winding down process after more than two decades at the forefront of professional wrestling. Cena’s career, characterized by unparalleled merchandise sales, philanthropic efforts through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and a consistent presence in main events, has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Similarly, AJ Styles, known globally as "The Phenomenal One" for his breathtaking athleticism and versatility, recently confirmed his intention to retire from in-ring competition within the next year. Styles, also in his mid-40s, has endured a physically demanding career marked by a high-impact style that has taken a significant toll on his body, including recent injury setbacks. His decision to step away within the near future underscores the brutal physical demands of professional wrestling at its highest level. Styles’ journey, from independent wrestling circuits to becoming a global phenomenon in promotions like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling before finally making his highly anticipated WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, established him as one of the most respected and admired performers of his generation. His two reigns as WWE Champion further solidified his legacy in the company.

Samoa Joe, who himself has indicated that he would likely retire whenever his current AEW contract expires, offered a unique perspective on the impending departures of his long-time friends and colleagues. While acknowledging the sadness many fans express at seeing these legends transition away from active competition, Joe emphasized his happiness for Cena and Styles. "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 stated. However, his personal perspective differed. "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."

Joe’s comments reflect a deep understanding of the sacrifices and physical toll inherent in a career at the pinnacle of professional wrestling. His sentiment highlights the relief and satisfaction that comes with completing such demanding careers with health and future opportunities intact. Samoa Joe, a multi-time champion across TNA, Ring of Honor, WWE’s NXT, and AEW/ROH, continues to maintain a high level of performance in AEW. His challenge for the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream against "Hangman" Adam Page underscored his own enduring commitment to the craft, even as he contemplates his own eventual retirement. His career, much like those of Cena and Styles, has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a willingness to adapt to various wrestling landscapes.

The collective impact of John Cena, AJ Styles, and Samoa Joe on professional wrestling is profound. Their careers represent different eras and styles, yet all three have consistently delivered high-quality performances, championship reigns, and memorable storylines that have captivated audiences worldwide. As Cena and Styles prepare to conclude their full-time in-ring careers, the tributes and reflections from peers like Samoa Joe serve as a testament to their lasting influence and the deep bonds forged within the unique world of professional wrestling. Their legacies are not only defined by their in-ring accomplishments but also by the mutual respect and camaraderie shared among those who have dedicated their lives to the sport.

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