Wrestling Icon Samoa Joe Reflects on AJ Styles and John Cena's Impending Retirements and WWE Crown Jewel Tributes

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The WWE Crown Jewel event, held on November 4, 2023, at the Mohammed Abdu Arena, served as a significant junction in the careers of two of professional wrestling’s most enduring figures: John Cena and AJ Styles. Their highly anticipated singles match, presented as a pivotal encounter on the card, not only delivered a compelling in-ring spectacle but also featured a series of subtle tributes to a generation of wrestlers who shaped the industry, including current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Samoa Joe.

During their intense contest, AJ Styles notably employed the Coquina Clutch, a rear-naked choke submission maneuver long synonymous with Samoa Joe. This particular submission, a signature move for Joe throughout his career, was recognized by industry observers as a direct homage from Styles to his long-time rival from their formative years in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling. The inclusion of such a move underscored a deeper narrative thread running through the match, wherein both Cena and Styles incorporated elements from their shared pasts, acknowledging their respective histories and the competitors who helped define their careers. This act was part of a broader series of nods to professional wrestlers who were cornerstones of the sport during the Spike TV era of TNA, a period characterized by innovative storytelling and athletic performances that provided an alternative to WWE’s dominance.

Samoa Joe, currently holding the AEW World Championship, acknowledged the tribute with a sense of pride and respect. Speaking to CBS Sports prior to his AEW World Championship defense against "Hangman" Adam Page at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 1, 2023, Joe stated, "It’s incredibly cool." He elaborated on his sentiments regarding both competitors: "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 professional paths of Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, and John Cena have been intertwined for decades, dating back to the early 2000s, long before their respective tenures in WWE. AJ Styles and Samoa Joe, in particular, forged one of professional wrestling’s most critically acclaimed rivalries in TNA, a series of matches that showcased their technical prowess and physical intensity. Their bouts for the TNA X-Division Championship and later the NWA World Heavyweight Championship are frequently cited by fans and critics as benchmark examples of modern wrestling. Styles, known as "The Phenomenal One," amassed multiple championships in TNA, including five NWA/TNA World Heavyweight Championships and six X-Division Championships, before his eventual move to WWE in 2016, where he quickly ascended to the top, securing two WWE Championships.

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While Samoa Joe and AJ Styles shared a profound in-ring history, Joe’s connection with John Cena, though less visible on WWE television, is rooted in their earliest days in professional wrestling. Both Cena and Joe began their professional training and careers around the same period in the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. UPW, founded in 1999 by Rick Bassman, served as a significant training ground and feeder promotion for WWE during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was within this environment that future stars like Cena, Joe, and Frankie Kazarian honed their skills. Joe recounted a specific anecdote from their UPW days, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit among the aspiring wrestlers: "Cena and Frankie Kazarian once cleaned out his father’s fridge, each consuming six pounds of chicken breasts in an impromptu eating challenge." This shared history underscores a personal bond that transcends their on-screen personas and company allegiances.

The match at Crown Jewel between Cena and Styles represented their fifth and final singles encounter in WWE, marking a significant milestone in their rivalry. This bout was positioned as a notable stop on John Cena’s ongoing "retirement tour." Cena, a record-equaling 17-time world champion (a distinction he shares with Ric Flair), has gradually transitioned from full-time wrestling to a prominent career in Hollywood. His appearances in WWE have become increasingly sporadic, culminating in the announcement that his final WWE match is scheduled for "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event" on December 13. Cena’s career, spanning over two decades, is characterized by unparalleled mainstream recognition, numerous main event appearances at WrestleMania, and a legacy built on his "Never Give Up" mantra and extensive philanthropic work, most notably with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he holds the record for granting the most wishes.

AJ Styles also confirmed his impending retirement from in-ring competition, stating his intention to step away from the squared circle within the next year. Styles’ career trajectory is unique; after establishing himself as a global superstar outside of WWE for nearly two decades, he made his highly anticipated debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble. His immediate success in WWE, including two WWE Championship reigns, two United States Championship reigns, and a WWE Intercontinental Championship, solidified his status as one of the most gifted performers of his generation. His decision to retire within the next year, as he stated, is driven by a desire to conclude his career "before my body can no longer move," reflecting a common sentiment among veteran wrestlers.

Samoa Joe, currently an active and reigning champion in AEW, also acknowledged his own contemplation of retirement. He indicated that he would likely retire whenever his current AEW contract expires. This collective shift towards retirement among these highly decorated athletes signals a changing guard in professional wrestling, prompting reflections on their profound impact on the industry.

Joe offered a nuanced perspective on the retirements of his long-time colleagues. While he sympathized with fans who expressed sadness at the impending departures of these legends, he conveyed a deep sense of happiness for his friends as they transition into new phases of their lives. "AJ is one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling," Joe asserted. "He’s definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler and expanded that category." This high praise underscores Styles’ innovative style, which blended aerial maneuvers with technical precision and impactful strikes, influencing countless wrestlers who followed.

Regarding both Cena and Styles, Joe concluded, "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." He reiterated his personal satisfaction for their accomplishments: "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."

The retirements of John Cena and AJ Styles, and the eventual winding down of Samoa Joe’s career, collectively represent the closing of a significant chapter in professional wrestling history. Their careers, marked by athletic excellence, compelling storytelling, and a profound influence on their peers and successors, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As they transition out of full-time competition, their legacies continue to resonate, reminding fans of an era defined by their unparalleled contributions and the enduring spirit of competition and camaraderie that binds the wrestling community.