Cena seals it in Perth-fect Style

In what was the fifth-ever encounter between Mr WWE John Cena and Mr TNA AJ Styles, the two GOATs delivered an epic duel at the annual Crown Jewel Premium Live Event in Perth, Australia on Saturday night. 

Even The Undertaker, one of wrestling's greatest legends, weighed in following the bout. The Phenom tweeted: "Thank you @JohnCena and thank you @AJStylesOrg. A masterclass and beautiful tribute to wrestling. The #WWEUniverse said it…but that was AWESOME!"

It may be too soon to say where this bout ranks among the many remarkable contests in the illustrious careers of the two legends. But one thing is certain — this match will go down as one of the most memorable matches in the history of wrestling. Fans may forget many other matches in the careers of Cena and Styles, even some of their previous classics against each other, but this one — never.

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Fresh off the match, it may be too soon to say where this bout ranks among the many remarkable contests in the illustrious careers of both legends. But one thing is certain — this match will go down as one of the most memorable matches in the history of wrestling. 

The official outcome itself hardly matters. Heading into the contest tied 2–2 with Styles, Cena picked up the victory here, marking his 100th-ever PLE win. 

Photo: Collected

Nonetheless, what truly made this encounter stand out was how both competitors paid tribute — not only to each other or to some of their greatest rivals — but to the art of professional wrestling itself.

It all began when Cena handed the ring announcer Alicia Taylor a piece of paper containing AJ Styles' introduction, describing him as "The Definition of Total Nonstop Action, The Ace and The Undisputed Boss of The Bullet Club, The Face That Runs The Place, The Phenomenal, AJ Styles."

Afterwards, the two started off the match at a relatively slow pace — understandable given their aging bodies — but surprisingly, they gradually picked it up once both began showing signs of pain and fatigue. Neither man left the ring even once throughout the contest, just like their 2017 Royal Rumble clash. 

Alongside their usual exchanges of blows and signature manoeuvres, both wrestlers paid homage to other iconic performers through their move sets.

One by one, Cena executed The Miz's Skull Crushing Finale, Rusev's Accolade, Chris Jericho's Walls of Jericho, Randy Orton's Second-Rope DDT and RKO, as well as the Chokeslam and Tombstone Piledriver — signatures of Kane and The Undertaker. He even attempted Orton's Punt Kick, Rey Mysterio's 619, and Triple H's Pedigree.

The most emotional and heartwarming moment of the night, however, came when Cena performed Bray Wyatt's Sister Abigail. The gesture, honouring the superstar gone too soon, deeply resonated with the live crowd, who responded by lighting up their mobile phones — creating a sea of "fireflies" in tribute.

Not to be outdone, AJ Styles showcased his own array of tributes. He delivered Sting's Scorpion Death Drop, Samoa Joe's Coquina Clutch, Christopher Daniels' Angel's Wings, Frankie Kazarian's Dead Eye, and Shawn Michaels' Sweet Chin Music.

And that's precisely what made this match extraordinary. Who could have imagined that under the brightest lights of a WWE ring, the poster boy of TNA would not only compete at the highest level but also introduce the WWE Universe to the signature moves of wrestlers — many of whom do not belong to the company?

In the end, Cena delivered a Tombstone Piledriver to Styles and followed it up with a huge Attitude Adjustment for the pin. The two wrestling legends then shook hands and embraced in the centre of the ring — a fitting conclusion to a match that felt more like a love letter to professional wrestling than a rivalry.

Now, let's face the truth: probably, this latest chapter in the storied rivalry between Cena and Styles was not even their most important clash — simply because not much was at stake this time. It was more of a celebration than a confrontation. In contrast, some of their previous bouts carried far greater emotional and narrative weight, where pride, legacy, and championship glory all hung in the balance.

Photo: Collected

Take, for instance, their SummerSlam 2016 encounter — their first true one-on-one showdown on a grand stage. That was a match built purely on ego and respect, as both men sought to prove who was truly "the face that runs the place." It ended with AJ Styles defeating Cena clean in the middle of the ring, a monumental moment that solidified AJ's place in WWE history.

Then came their Royal Rumble 2017 battle for the WWE Championship, which many fans and critics still regard as their greatest-ever contest. With Cena chasing Ric Flair's record 16th world title, and AJ fighting to defend his reign and credibility, the stakes couldn't have been higher. What unfolded was a storytelling and technical masterpiece — a match that perfectly balanced athleticism, drama, and emotion, eventually ending with Cena's triumph and a mutual show of respect.

Thus, their Crown Jewel 2025 encounter in Perth may not surpass the gravity or impact of those earlier classics. However, it still shines in its own right — as a testament to two men who, even after decades in the ring, continue to embody everything that makes professional wrestling so special. 

Perhaps that's what makes this match even more meaningful. This was John Cena's last-ever overseas match, his fifth-last WWE appearance as an active competitor, and most likely, his final encounter with AJ Styles. On the other side, Styles himself is nearing the end of his storied career, having announced during the Crown Jewel Kickoff Show just a day earlier that 2026 will be the year he hangs up his boots.

So, fans may forget many other matches in the careers of Cena and Styles, even some of their previous classics against each other, but this one — never.