Veteran Samoa Joe Reflects on the Impending Retirements of John Cena and AJ Styles, Acknowledging Crown Jewel's Poignant Tribute

The landscape of professional wrestling is poised for a significant shift as two of its most iconic figures, John Cena and AJ Styles, approach the conclusion of their illustrious in-ring careers. This generational transition was subtly yet powerfully underscored during WWE Crown Jewel, an event that featured a poignant tribute from Styles to his peers, including the renowned Samoa Joe. The veteran wrestler, currently competing in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), offered his perspective on the farewells of his longtime friends and rivals, describing the acknowledgement at Crown Jewel as "incredibly cool."

During a pivotal match at WWE Crown Jewel, John Cena and AJ Styles reportedly delved deep into their shared history within the squared circle. The bout, highlighted as a significant moment of the event, saw both competitors incorporate signature maneuvers reminiscent of past adversaries, a practice common in professional wrestling to honor or invoke history. Notably, Styles executed the Coquina Clutch, Samoa Joe’s long-established rear-naked choke submission, a move deeply synonymous with "The Samoan Submission Machine." This specific choice by Styles was perceived as a direct nod to his legendary rivalry with Joe during their tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. The tribute was part of a broader homage by Styles to several professional wrestlers who were instrumental cornerstones during the Spike TV era of TNA, an period that significantly shaped the careers of many current top-tier talents.

Samoa Joe, speaking to CBS Sports prior to his challenge for the AEW World Championship against "Hangman" Adam Page at the WrestleDream pay-per-view, expressed his appreciation for the gesture. "It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated, acknowledging the sentiment behind Styles’ use of his signature move. He continued, conveying profound respect for both Cena and Styles. "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." Joe’s remarks underscored the camaraderie and mutual admiration that often exists among competitors who have navigated the rigorous demands of professional wrestling over decades.

Joe’s connection to AJ Styles is well-documented, stemming from a storied rivalry that began in TNA Wrestling in the early 2000s. Their series of matches, characterized by high-flying athleticism from Styles and brutal, submission-based offense from Joe, were critical in establishing TNA’s identity and elevating both men to international prominence. Their encounters, often lauded for their technical proficiency and intense storytelling, are frequently cited as classics of the era, showcasing a unique blend of American and Japanese wrestling styles. The "Phenomenal One" and "The Samoan Submission Machine" engaged in numerous championship contests, including multiple King of the Mountain matches and a pivotal Triple Threat match alongside Christopher Daniels at Unbreakable 2005, a bout widely regarded as one of the greatest in TNA history. This rivalry not only solidified their individual legacies but also laid the groundwork for their eventual success on a global scale, including their respective transitions to WWE.

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While Joe and Cena never squared off in a WWE ring, their professional paths intersected at the nascent stages of their careers, forging a deeply personal connection. Both wrestlers began their training and performing careers around the same period within the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. UPW, active from 1999 to 2007, served as a developmental territory for numerous talents who would later achieve stardom in WWE and other major promotions. Joe recounted an informal anecdote from those early days, illustrating the camaraderie among the aspiring wrestlers. He recalled an incident where Cena and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian engaged in an impromptu eating challenge, collectively consuming six pounds of chicken breasts from Joe’s father’s refrigerator. This shared history in the developmental ranks highlights the foundational bonds formed before their respective ascensions to superstardom.

The impending retirements of Cena and Styles mark the conclusion of two highly influential careers. John Cena, a 17-time world champion, is set to conclude his in-ring career at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. This date will mark a significant milestone for a performer who has been the face of WWE for over a decade, transitioning from a full-time wrestler to a part-time attraction and successful Hollywood actor. Cena’s record-tying 16th world championship reign in WWE, which equaled Ric Flair’s long-standing record, solidified his position among the industry’s most decorated athletes. His "retirement tour" has seen him return for sporadic appearances, culminating in this final scheduled match, allowing fans worldwide to bid farewell to an icon.

AJ Styles, another figure of immense influence, recently confirmed his intention to retire from in-ring competition within the next year. Styles, known globally as "The Phenomenal One," has garnered acclaim across multiple promotions, including TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and WWE. His innovative offense, characterized by high-risk aerial maneuvers and intricate technical wrestling, redefined what was possible in professional wrestling. Styles’ career trajectory, from being a foundational talent in TNA to a multi-time world champion in WWE, underscores his adaptability and sustained excellence at the highest levels of the sport. His decision to retire within the next year, likely influenced by the physical demands of a career spanning over two decades, signals another major shift in the active roster.

Samoa Joe, who has also indicated he will likely retire once his current AEW contract expires, offered a nuanced perspective on his peers’ decisions to step away from active competition. While acknowledging the natural sadness among fans at the prospect of these legends departing the active roster—given their prolonged and significant presence in the industry—Joe expressed profound happiness for Cena and Styles. "For me, it’s a bit of a different perspective. I’m super happy for them both," Joe articulated. He elaborated on his reasoning, highlighting their profound achievements: "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."

Joe further emphasized his satisfaction in seeing his longtime friends transition into a new phase of life under favorable circumstances. "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," he concluded. His comments reflect a deep understanding of the toll professional wrestling takes on its performers and a genuine desire for his colleagues to enjoy a fulfilling life post-wrestling. Joe specifically lauded Styles, stating, "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." This assessment underscores Styles’ revolutionary impact on the perception and execution of professional wrestling, particularly his role in popularizing a more athletic and hybrid style.

The collective retirements of John Cena and AJ Styles, observed by a peer like Samoa Joe, symbolize a generational passing of the torch in professional wrestling. Their careers, marked by unparalleled success, innovation, and dedication, have left an indelible mark on the industry. As they prepare to exit the ring, their legacies will continue to inspire new generations of performers, while their contributions to the sport will be remembered as pivotal chapters in wrestling history.

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