The recent WWE Crown Jewel 2025 event featured a thrilling main event where AJ Styles employed a signature move famously associated with AEW star Samoa Joe—the Coquina Clutch—against John Cena, sparking reactions across the wrestling world. This moment was not only a highlight of the match but also a nod to the rich history shared among these top-tier wrestlers across promotions.
AJ Styles’ Tribute Move Highlights Their Storied Rivalries
During the high-stakes bout against WWE legend John Cena, AJ Styles executed the Coquina Clutch, a rear-naked choke submission move long linked to Samoa Joe. This maneuver is deeply recognized by wrestling fans as Joe’s signature finisher, which he mastered and popularized during his time in TNA Wrestling and now AEW[2]. Styles’ choice to use it was widely viewed as a respectful tribute to his esteemed in-ring rival and former training partner.
This deliberate move encapsulated the emotional depth of the match, bringing the audience back to the era when all three men—Styles, Joe, and Cena—were significant figures in the wrestling world’s evolutions. It was a symbolic gesture linking their past rivalries with their present legacies.
Samoa Joe Praises AJ Styles and John Cena’s Legacy at Crown Jewel
Samoa Joe expressed admiration for both AJ Styles and John Cena following the event, calling their use of the Coquina Clutch “incredibly cool.” Speaking to CBS Sports shortly before his AEW World Championship match at WrestleDream 2025, Joe commented on how meaningful it was to see two greats honor his signature technique on such a massive stage[2].
Joe stated, “Both those men are people I have unyielding respect for. I’m so happy to see they’ve enjoyed the successes they have had in their life. It was wonderful to be thought of in their big moment.” This acknowledgement not only enhanced the significance of the WWE Crown Jewel match but also spotlighted the professionalism and mutual admiration among wrestling’s elite.
Deep Connections Between Cena, Styles, and Joe
The dynamic between these three wrestlers extends beyond simple in-ring competition. Despite never facing each other on WWE television, Samoa Joe and John Cena share a personal connection dating back to their early days on the independent circuit, specifically in the California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. Joe has fondly recounted humorous backstage stories involving Cena and other wrestlers, illustrating their genuine camaraderie outside of the ring[2].
This shared history adds layers of respect and fondness to their encounters, making moments like the Crown Jewel match all the more impactful for fans and insiders alike.
WWE Crown Jewel Match: A Career-Defining Moment for Both Veterans
John Cena and AJ Styles have built their legacies as two of the last decade’s most influential wrestlers. With Cena signaling the final dates remaining on his WWE contract and Styles planning retirement by 2026, their match at Crown Jewel was billed as a historic finale to a long and storied rivalry[1].
The match itself was critically acclaimed for its intensity and blend of technical skill and storytelling. Highlights included Styles’ spectacular 450 splash and high-impact moves, coupled with Cena’s resilience and powerful counters[6]. Their exchange of signature moves, including Styles’ tribute with the Coquina Clutch, underscored the respect and history between the two.
Backstage Perspectives on the Move and Its Significance
According to a WWE insider familiar with the creative discussions around the Crown Jewel event, the decision for AJ Styles to incorporate Samoa Joe’s Coquina Clutch was carefully planned to work as both a crowd-pleaser and a meaningful nod to wrestling history.
“Styles and the creative team wanted to pay homage to their shared roots and the warriors who shaped their careers. Using the Coquina Clutch was a way to bridge promotions and honor Samoa Joe without overshadowing the core contest against Cena,” the source revealed. “It was a subtle but powerful storytelling device that connected fans to the bigger wrestling legacy.”
What This Means for AEW and WWE Relations
This moment highlights the increasingly fluid relationships between AEW and WWE talent narratives. While the companies remain competitors, respect among top professionals like Joe and Styles shows how the wrestling community transcends promotional boundaries.
Samoa Joe’s upcoming challenge for the AEW World Title at WrestleDream on October 18, 2025, underscores his continued prominence in the industry post-WWE. His reaction to Styles’ move at Crown Jewel suggests that AEW talent closely watch and support high-profile WWE events, creating intriguing cross-promotional storytelling potential[2].
In conclusion, AJ Styles’ use of Samoa Joe’s Coquina Clutch on John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel 2025 was much more than a move—it was a historic salute that bridged rivalries, promotions, and wrestling eras. Samoa Joe’s enthusiastic endorsement of the gesture, paired with the acclaimed match performance by Styles and Cena, fortified the legacy of all three men as pillars of modern professional wrestling. Sources close to the event confirm the moment was a deliberate and thoughtful tribute, resonating deeply with wrestling fans worldwide.