Credit: WWE.com
At the 2025 WWE Clash in Paris premium live event, John Cena surprised fans and critics alike by incorporating the Styles Clash the signature finisher of AJ Styles into his match against Logan Paul. This unexpected move added a fresh dynamic to Cena’s clash with Logan Paul and provided a nod to one of WWE’s most iconic performers. Cena later explained his reasoning during the post-show interview, opening a window into his evolving in-ring philosophy as he approaches the twilight of his storied WWE career.
A Surprising Tribute in a High-Stakes Battle
John Cena’s match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris was one of the night’s biggest highlights, lasting nearly 30 minutes and displaying an intense back-and-forth battle between the veteran and the rising star. Both wrestlers pushed their limits with a variety of moves, but Cena’s use of the Styles Clash stood out as a moment that caught the audience off guard. Cena, who has long been synonymous with his own famed moves like the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the Attitude Adjustment, chose to step out of his comfort zone by adopting a finisher closely associated with rival AJ Styles a fellow icon of the modern wrestling era.
Cena’s Reasoning Behind the Move
During the post-match media session, Cena addressed why he decided to adopt the Styles Clash in this particular match. He explained that as a seasoned performer on his retirement tour, he is consciously trying to expand and diversify his move set instead of sticking strictly to his signature repertoire. Cena mentioned, “I’m trying not to reflect on it too much, but it’s about evolving and paying homage. Styles is one of the greatest of all time, and borrowing a piece of his arsenal felt right for that moment”.
This statement underscores Cena’s recognition that wrestling is as much about storytelling as it is about athleticism. By borrowing the Styles Clash, Cena not only surprised Logan Paul but also reinforced a respectful connection to the wrestlers who helped shape the industry he has dominated for years.
Backstage Insights on Cena’s Move Choice
Sources close to WWE insiders revealed that Cena’s use of the Styles Clash was a carefully planned element, designed both to excite fans and to symbolize the passing of the torch between generations. According to a WWE insider, “John’s always been about respecting history while making sure every match feels fresh. This was a clever nod to AJ but also a way to catch Logan off guard. It’s a mix of respect, strategy, and showmanship.” This insight suggests the move was more than a gimmick it was a calculated part of Cena’s storytelling for the match and his ongoing legacy in WWE.
The insider also noted that Cena’s willingness to adapt his style speaks volumes about his commitment to evolving with the times instead of relying solely on nostalgia, an approach that helps maintain his relevance with both longtime fans and newer audiences.
Clash in Paris: A Night to Remember
Apart from Cena’s memorable moment, WWE Clash in Paris was a star-studded event that delivered on excitement and drama. Cena’s victory over Logan Paul was hard-fought, shining a spotlight on the compatibility of a veteran superstar facing a crossover celebrity with his own unique skills. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins successfully defended his World Heavyweight title in a captivating Fatal Four-Way match, with unexpected interference from Becky Lynch adding to the storyline intrigue.
This event marked one of Cena’s last major appearances in Europe during his retirement tour, making his innovative use of the Styles Clash a fitting highlight of his commitment to leaving the fans with something memorable and unexpected.