As WWE gears up for its highly anticipated Crown Jewel event on October 11, 2025, in Perth, Australia, one of the most buzzworthy matches on the card is the showdown between John Cena and AJ Styles. While many fans expect Cena to prevail in what could be one of the final matches of his illustrious career, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has expressed that an AJ Styles victory would not catch him off guard.
Bully Ray’s Take: An AJ Styles Upset Would Not Surprise Him
On a recent episode of Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray shared his perspective about the Cena vs. Styles bout. Despite Cena’s legendary status and dominant WWE career, Bully Ray acknowledged that Styles is an exceptional competitor capable of toppling even the most iconic superstars. He said he wouldn’t be shocked if Styles handed Cena a rare defeat at Crown Jewel, emphasizing AJ’s relentless in-ring skills and proven ability to deliver stellar performances on huge stages.
“AJ Styles is one of the best in the world. He has the looks, the moves, and the chemistry to pull off an upset against anyone even John Cena,” Bully Ray said. “It wouldn’t shock me at all if Styles walks out of Crown Jewel with the win.” This sentiment adds intriguing uncertainty to the match that many assumed was a straight win for Cena, potentially setting the stage for a memorable moment in WWE history.
The Importance of Crown Jewel and Its Shifting Location
Crown Jewel 2025 marks a notable change as WWE returns to Australia after several years of hosting the event in Saudi Arabia. The RAC Arena in Perth will host the event, which promises to feature top title matches alongside the Cena-Styles rivalry. This shift in location has brought fresh energy and renewed interest in the event, making the stakes even higher for wrestlers involved.
John Cena’s participation highlights that Crown Jewel is not only a platform for emerging talent but a place to celebrate veterans. Cena’s match with Styles is expected to be a highlight, showing WWE’s intent to blend legacy with current star power. According to a WWE insider, the company sees this match as a potential “passing of the torch” moment, albeit on a competitive level, rather than a definitive end to Cena’s legacy.
AJ Styles vs. John Cena: A Rivalry Beyond the Ring
AJ Styles and John Cena have a history of epic clashes dating back to their times in WWE and TNA/Impact Wrestling. Their styles contrast yet complement each other Cena’s power and resilience against Styles’ agility and precision. Both men share mutual respect, but in the squared circle, it’s all competition.
Backstage sources close to WWE reveal that the buzz around this match is electric, with Styles reportedly in prime physical condition and Cena motivated to give a performance worthy of his career’s twilight. “AJ wants to cement his legacy by beating one of the greats, and Cena wants to prove he still belongs at the top,” a WWE insider explained. This dynamic makes their meeting an unpredictable showdown, fueling speculation on who will emerge victorious.
Possible Outcomes and Fan Reactions
The wrestling community remains divided on who will win the match:
| Prediction | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| John Cena Wins | Legacy preservation, fan favorite, WWE icon status |
| AJ Styles Wins | Momentum push, star credentials, stylistic advantage |
Many fans expect Cena to get a victory, as it would be a fitting tribute to his longtime contributions to WWE and provide a feel-good moment at Crown Jewel. However, Styles’ recent pushes and consistent top-tier performances also lend credibility to an upset scenario. Bully Ray’s comments underscore that an AJ Styles victory would not be surprising but rather an exciting twist.
What This Win Would Mean for AJ Styles
If Styles does beat Cena, it could mark a major career highlight and elevate him even further in WWE’s hierarchy. A victory over Cena on such a significant card would give Styles the kind of marquee win that can translate into greater main event status, increased fan support, and potentially a run with heavyweight gold.
Sources close to WWE creative suggest that an AJ Styles win might be on the table to spur new storylines and rivalries, leveraging his win to build fresh momentum going into the end of 2025 and beyond. It could also position Styles as a centerpiece in Crown Jewel’s legacy in Australia, an event still building its identity outside Saudi Arabia.
Other Key Matches at Crown Jewel 2025
While Cena vs. Styles draws major attention, WWE Crown Jewel 2025 promises a full card of notable bouts:
- Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes for the World Heavyweight Championship.
- The first-ever Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match featuring Stephanie Vaquer against the winner of the SmackDown triple threat match among Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax.
- United States Championship bout for Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa.
- Tag team clashes such as Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley, following intense storyline developments.
These matches supplement the Cena-Styles match, showcasing WWE’s balanced focus on men’s, women’s, and tag team divisions.