Samoa Joe Reflects on Shared Legacy as AJ Styles and John Cena Approach Retirement, Crown Jewel Tribute Highlights Enduring Bonds.

The recent WWE Crown Jewel event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw John Cena and AJ Styles engage in what many observers have noted as a retrospective contest, with both competitors delving into their extensive professional wrestling careers. The match, a prominent feature of the pay-per-view, distinguished itself through the incorporation of signature maneuvers from past rivals, notably including the Coquina Clutch, a move synonymous with current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Samoa Joe. This particular stylistic choice underscored the deep, intertwined histories shared by Cena, Styles, and Joe within the professional wrestling landscape.

During the intensely fought encounter, AJ Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, Samoa Joe’s long-established rear-naked choke submission, on John Cena. This specific maneuver was widely interpreted as a deliberate homage from Styles to his storied rival from their tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. The tribute resonated deeply within the wrestling community, particularly among fans familiar with the "Spike TV era" of TNA, a period during which Styles and Joe, alongside others, were instrumental in establishing the promotion as a significant alternative to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Samoa Joe, speaking to CBS Sports prior to his own AEW World Championship challenge against "Hangman" Adam Page at the WrestleDream pay-per-view, expressed his sentiments regarding the tribute. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated, acknowledging the significance of being recognized in such a high-profile contest. He further elaborated on his relationship with both competitors, remarking, "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." This statement highlights the enduring camaraderie and mutual admiration that often develops among professional wrestlers who have navigated the demanding landscape of the industry together for decades.

The connection between Samoa Joe and AJ Styles dates back to the early 2000s, where they were central figures in the burgeoning TNA promotion. Their rivalry, alongside that of Christopher Daniels, famously produced the 2005 Unbreakable pay-per-view main event, a Triple Threat match for the TNA X-Division Championship that remains widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in professional wrestling history. Styles, known as "The Phenomenal One," and Joe, often referred to as "The Samoan Submission Machine," were pioneers in establishing TNA’s distinctive style, characterized by its athletic, fast-paced X-Division and its emphasis on in-ring technicality and innovation. Their encounters helped define the company and left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing a generation of wrestlers and fans. Styles went on to become a multi-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and later achieved significant success in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as an IWGP Heavyweight Champion before his eventual WWE debut in 2016. Joe, similarly, captured multiple TNA World Heavyweight Championships, X-Division Championships, and Television Championships, establishing himself as a dominant force across various promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH), NXT, and WWE, before joining AEW.

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Samoa Joe’s association with John Cena, while not featuring a direct televised in-ring rivalry in WWE, is rooted in their formative years within professional wrestling. Both competitors began their careers around the same period, training and performing in the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. UPW served as a significant developmental territory for many future stars in the late 1990s and early 2000s, providing a crucial training ground for individuals who would later ascend to global prominence. Joe recounted a particularly memorable anecdote from their UPW days, illustrating the bond forged during that intense period: "Joe recounted how Cena and Frankie Kazarian once cleaned out his father’s fridge, each consuming six pounds of chicken breasts in an impromptu eating challenge." This personal account offers a glimpse into the early, less glamorous aspects of their careers, highlighting the shared experiences that underpinned their eventual successes. Despite never having a televised match in WWE, their parallel journeys from the independent circuit to the pinnacle of professional wrestling speak volumes about their dedication and talent.

The Crown Jewel match between Cena and Styles represented their fifth and final encounter, marking a significant waypoint on John Cena’s announced "retirement tour." Cena, a 17-time world champion, a record he shares with Ric Flair, is scheduled to retire from in-ring competition at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. His illustrious career, spanning over two decades, has seen him transition from a polarizing figure to a universally respected icon, and more recently, a successful Hollywood actor. His appearances have become increasingly rare, signifying a gradual transition away from full-time wrestling.

AJ Styles, similarly, has indicated his impending departure from active competition. Styles recently confirmed that he intends to retire from in-ring competition within the next year, stating, "I want to before my body can no longer move." This declaration from Styles, who is renowned for his high-flying and technically proficient style, underscores the immense physical toll that professional wrestling exacts on its athletes over time. His career is characterized by an unparalleled ability to adapt and perform at an elite level across multiple promotions and continents, cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative and consistent performers of his generation.

Samoa Joe, who himself has acknowledged that he will likely retire once his current AEW contract expires, offered a unique perspective on the impending retirements of his long-time colleagues. While he empathizes with the fans who lament the departure of these legends, his personal connection offers a different lens through which to view their transition. "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, acknowledging Styles’ groundbreaking influence on the industry. "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, leans towards celebrating their accomplishments and well-deserved rest. "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 veteran performers of the physical and mental demands of the profession, and the relief that comes with transitioning to a new phase of life after achieving such profound success.

The intertwined careers of Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, and John Cena represent a significant chapter in modern professional wrestling history. From their humble beginnings in promotions like UPW and TNA to their respective ascensions as global icons in WWE and AEW, their journeys have influenced countless aspiring wrestlers and entertained millions worldwide. The Crown Jewel tribute served not just as a nod to their shared past but as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact these three individuals have had, and continue to have, on the sport. As Styles and Cena prepare to step away from the ring, their legacies are firmly cemented, and the respect among their peers, exemplified by Joe’s remarks, remains a testament to their extraordinary contributions.