John Cena and AJ Styles Deliver Wrestling Masterclass at Crown Jewel
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and nostalgia, longtime rivals John Cena and AJ Styles met one more time in the ring at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. Their match wasn’t just another chapter in their storied history; it was a celebration of professional wrestling itself, a beautiful tribute to the art form they’ve both dedicated their lives to perfecting. As both superstars continue on their respective retirement tours, this encounter represented something deeper than a simple win or loss—it was a love letter to the fans who have followed their careers and to the legends whose shoulders they stand upon.
The match quickly became a showcase of wrestling history as Cena, in particular, transformed into something of a human highlight reel. He delighted the audience by seamlessly incorporating signature moves from other WWE legends: Randy Orton’s lightning-quick RKO, Bray Wyatt’s eerie Sister Abigail, and Chris Jericho’s painful Walls of Jericho submission hold. Perhaps most poignantly, Cena paid homage to The Undertaker with both the Chokeslam and the iconic Tombstone Piledriver. These weren’t mere imitations but heartfelt tributes to the wrestlers who have shaped the industry. Eventually, Cena secured the victory with his own finishing move, the Attitude Adjustment, pinning Styles in a moment that felt both triumphant and bittersweet. For Cena, it represented an important bounce-back win following his recent loss to Brock Lesnar, while for both men, it marked another significant milestone on their respective journeys toward retirement.
What made this encounter particularly special was the palpable respect between the two competitors. Unlike many of their previous confrontations, there were no underhanded tactics, no surprise heel turns, and no bitter animosity. Instead, fans witnessed two friends who have become legends in their own right, acknowledging each other’s greatness while simultaneously honoring those who came before them. The crowd responded accordingly, with chants of “This is awesome!” echoing throughout the arena. The match transcended typical wrestling entertainment, becoming something closer to performance art—a carefully choreographed dance between two masters of their craft who understand the emotional resonance of their actions in the ring.
The significance of this match extended beyond the arena in Perth, reaching wrestling legends watching from afar. The Undertaker himself, whose career spanned three decades and whose presence in WWE remains unmatched, took to social media to express his admiration. “Thank you @JohnCena and thank you AJStylesOrg. A masterclass and beautiful tribute to wrestling,” wrote the Deadman, adding, “The #WWEUniverse said it…but that was AWESOME!” This endorsement carries special weight coming from The Undertaker, who has shared the ring with both men in memorable encounters. His Boneyard Match against Styles at WrestleMania 36—performed without an audience during the pandemic—marked The Undertaker’s final wrestling match, while his various encounters with Cena over the years have become the stuff of legend. That The Undertaker would publicly acknowledge their performance speaks volumes about the quality and emotional impact of their Crown Jewel confrontation.
The Undertaker’s career serves as something of a blueprint for how wrestling legends can gracefully transition into retirement while maintaining their connection to the industry. Though he no longer competes, he continues to make appearances at WWE events, works with the LFG brand, and hosts the “Six Feet Under” podcast alongside his wife, Michelle McCool. His continued presence in the wrestling world offers a glimpse of what might lie ahead for both Cena and Styles once they officially step away from in-ring competition. Fans will inevitably clamor for “one more match” from these beloved superstars, just as they have with The Undertaker since his retirement. The emotional attachment fans develop to wrestlers ensures that their legacies continue long after their final matches.
The Crown Jewel encounter between Cena and Styles represents something increasingly rare in professional wrestling: a match that prioritizes storytelling, respect, and tradition over shock value. By choosing to face each other as part of their retirement tours, they acknowledged the significance of their rivalry in both of their careers. Their willingness to incorporate moves from other wrestlers demonstrated their understanding that they are part of a larger tapestry—that professional wrestling is a communal art form passed down from generation to generation. As these two icons prepare to join the ranks of retired legends, matches like this one remind us why we fall in love with professional wrestling in the first place. It’s not just about the spectacle or the athleticism; it’s about the emotional connections formed between performers and audiences, and the shared moments of wonder that transcend the boundaries between fiction and reality. Cena and Styles gave us one such moment at Crown Jewel—a perfect encapsulation of what makes wrestling, at its best, an unparalleled form of entertainment.
