Credit: WWE.com
John Cena shocked WWE fans worldwide at the Clash in Paris 2025 by delivering AJ Styles’ signature finisher, the Styles Clash, during his hard-fought victory over Logan Paul. The move ignited a roar from the crowd and sparked widespread speculation about Cena’s intentions behind this rare homage. In a candid post-match interview, Cena explained the emotional reasoning behind borrowing a rival’s iconic maneuver during his farewell tour.
A Tribute to AJ Styles Amid Farewell Tour
During the roughly 30-minute match in front of a passionate French crowd, Cena countered Logan Paul’s offensive attempts and shocked everyone by executing the Styles Clash, a move famously associated with AJ Styles, one of his most respected opponents throughout his career. Following the victory, Cena revealed that the move was a deliberate tribute, acknowledging the influential figures in his wrestling journey he likely won’t have a chance to face again.
“I’ve faced a lot of opponents over the years,” Cena said. “With only eight appearances left before I retire, I realized I wouldn’t get the opportunity to wrestle everyone who’s impacted me. So tonight, the best way I could say thank you was by borrowing some moves and paying homage to those who helped shape my career. AJ definitely deserves that shoutout.”
Incorporating Other Signature Moves
Cena didn’t stop with just the Styles Clash. Throughout the match, he surprised fans by also using Baron Corbin’s End of Days, further highlighting his theme of honoring peers in the wrestling world. These moments showed Cena embracing a more collaborative and appreciative approach to his in-ring style as he nears the end of his legendary career.
A WWE insider shared backstage, “John’s attitude in these last fights is less about winning or losing and more about celebration and respect. Using AJ’s and Corbin’s signature moves wasn’t just a nod it was a powerful statement about camaraderie and legacy.”
Cena’s Retirement Tour Milestones and Upcoming Dates
The Clash in Paris marked Cena’s 28th match out of 36 planned appearances during his 2025 retirement tour. His final bout is scheduled for December 13th, a special episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event. The tribute to AJ Styles also signals that a final match against Styles himself is unlikely, which many fans had hoped for as a dream retirement showdown.
Cena’s upcoming matches include a September 5th appearance on SmackDown in Chicago, followed by spots at Wrestlepaloza in September, Crown Jewel in October, and Survivor Series: WarGames in November.
Clash in Paris: A Night of High Drama
Aside from Cena’s memorable performance, Clash in Paris delivered intense moments throughout the card. In the World Heavyweight Championship Fatal Four-Way, Seth Rollins successfully defended his title in a match filled with twists, including a surprise interference by Becky Lynch against CM Punk, adding extra tension to the rivalry landscape.
Fans witnessed Cena’s resilience, athleticism, and emotional depth as he battled the ever-competitive Logan Paul, culminating in a dramatic nearfall after the Styles Clash that electrified the crowd with chants of “phenomenal” a nod to Styles himself.
What This Means for WWE and Cena’s Legacy
Cena’s decision to employ AJ Styles’ finisher is more than just a flashy moment; it’s part of his farewell narrative—acknowledging the peers who influenced his immense career while leaving a lasting impression with fans around the world. It also opens conversations about legacy and respect in professional wrestling, where homage through moves symbolizes deep professional bonds.
According to sources close to WWE, there were no plans to book Cena in a final match with AJ Styles during this farewell run. Instead, Cena’s strategy appears to be making subtle acknowledgments, giving fans emotional closure while maintaining the momentum of his legendary run.
