Samoa Joe Reflects on Enduring Legacies as AJ Styles and John Cena Announce Retirement Plans Following WWE Crown Jewel Tribute

The recent WWE Crown Jewel event, held on November 4, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, served as a significant juncture in the careers of two of professional wrestling’s most celebrated figures, John Cena and AJ Styles. Their highly anticipated fifth and reportedly final singles encounter on a major WWE stage not only delivered a high-stakes contest but also featured poignant tributes to their shared history and influences, most notably an homage to current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Champion, Samoa Joe. The 44-year-old Joe, a contemporary and long-time rival of both men, expressed profound satisfaction and respect for their careers and the acknowledgment received during their pivotal match.

During the intensely contested match at Crown Jewel, AJ Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, Samoa Joe’s signature rear-naked choke submission. This move, a cornerstone of Joe’s arsenal throughout his distinguished career in promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH), Total Nonstop Action (TNA), WWE, and now AEW, was a clear and deliberate nod from Styles to a legendary rival. The gesture resonated deeply within the professional wrestling community, particularly among fans familiar with the "Spike TV era" of TNA, where Styles, Joe, and numerous other talents forged groundbreaking careers that significantly shaped the landscape of modern professional wrestling.

Speaking to CBS Sports prior to his own upcoming challenge for the AEW World Championship against "Hangman" Adam Page at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on Saturday, October 1, 2023, Joe conveyed his sentiments regarding the tribute. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated, reflecting on the moment. "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 acknowledgment underscored the intertwined histories of these three veterans, whose paths have frequently intersected across different promotions and eras of professional wrestling.

John Cena, a 17-time world champion and a central figure in WWE for over two decades, has publicly indicated that his active in-ring career is drawing to a close. His appearance at Crown Jewel was part of what has been described as an ongoing retirement tour, culminating with his final scheduled WWE match on December 13, 2023, at "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event." Cena’s career, spanning from his debut in 2002, has seen him main event multiple WrestleManias, star in numerous films, and become one of the most recognizable faces in global entertainment. His record-tying 16 world championships, a mark he shares with Ric Flair, solidify his status as one of the most decorated performers in WWE history.

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AJ Styles, often lauded as "The Phenomenal One," recently confirmed his own intention to retire from full-time in-ring competition within the next year. Styles, whose career trajectory saw him dominate TNA for over a decade, achieve unprecedented success in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and then transition to WWE in 2016 where he quickly became a two-time WWE Champion, has been a consistent main event performer across every major promotion he has joined. His declaration of retirement stems from a desire to conclude his career before physical limitations dictate the end, ensuring he leaves the ring on his own terms. Styles’ unparalleled athleticism and innovative offense have made him a benchmark for aspiring wrestlers worldwide.

Samoa Joe’s connection to John Cena extends beyond the professional sphere, rooted in their formative years within the industry. Despite never having a televised singles match against each other in WWE, their paths crossed extensively in the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Joe recounted a particularly memorable anecdote from their UPW days involving Cena and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian. In an impromptu eating challenge, Cena and Kazarian reportedly consumed a combined twelve pounds of chicken breasts, effectively emptying Joe’s father’s refrigerator. This shared history highlights the deep personal bonds forged during the challenging early stages of their respective careers.

Joe himself, currently holding the AEW World Championship, has also hinted at his own eventual retirement, indicating it would likely coincide with the expiration of his current AEW contract. Having been a dominant force in ROH, a multi-time champion in TNA, a United States Champion and NXT Champion in WWE, and now a world champion in AEW, Joe has maintained a remarkable level of performance and relevance across different eras of professional wrestling. His perspective on the retirements of Styles and Cena is therefore uniquely informed by both a shared past and a contemplation of his own future.

"AJ is one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling," Joe observed, elaborating on Styles’ impact. "He’s definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler and expanded that category." This assessment underscores Styles’ influence on the athletic and technical expectations of modern wrestling. 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 sentiment acknowledges the emotional investment fans have in performers who have dedicated decades to their craft and entertained millions globally.

However, Joe’s perspective diverged from the immediate sadness often associated with such announcements, leaning towards appreciation for their achievements. "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 viewpoint emphasizes the physical and mental toll of a career in professional wrestling and the significance of transitioning out of it on one’s own terms and in good health. John Cena, beyond his wrestling endeavors, has established a successful acting career, providing a clear path for his post-wrestling life. AJ Styles, a devoted family man, is expected to focus on spending more time with his loved ones, a common aspiration for athletes nearing the end of demanding careers. Samoa Joe’s comments resonate as a peer’s genuine satisfaction in seeing his long-time colleagues reach a fulfilling conclusion to their in-ring journeys, having left indelible marks on the sport. The impending departures of these titans signify a shift in the landscape of professional wrestling, closing a significant chapter defined by their unparalleled contributions and sustained excellence.