Introduction
As the curtain slowly descends on the illustrious careers of two WWE icons, AJ Styles and John Cena, their in-ring rivalry—most recently highlighted by an instant classic at Crown Jewel 2025—calls for reflection. In a candid interview ahead of their widely speculated “final” encounter, AJ Styles opened up about the significance of their storied rivalry, the chemistry that made their matches legendary, and the mutual respect that now bookends their careers[1]. Here’s an in-depth look at their journey—from unlikely foes to respected peers—and what it means for the WWE Universe.
The Backstory: Cross-Promotion Dream Match
When AJ Styles debuted at the 2016 Royal Rumble, WWE fans knew they were witnessing the arrival of something special. Styles, a former TNA world champion and international standout, was the ultimate “outsider” from another wrestling universe coming to WWE. John Cena, meanwhile, was the face of WWE for over a decade—the company’s “Ace” and living legend[1].
Styles recalls, “I feel like a lot of people cared about that match because it was two guys who started at different companies. It’s almost ‘AJ Styles was the TNA guy’ and ‘John Cena was the WWE guy.’”[1] The novelty of seeing these two finally collide in a WWE ring was not lost on fans, who had spent years speculating about a fantasy match between their worlds.
According to a WWE insider, the creative team saw the collision as a ratings goldmine, but even they were surprised by the immediate buzz it generated: “It wasn’t just a dream match for fans—it was a dream for everyone behind the scenes. The social media reaction and ticket sales for their first singles bout at Money in the Bank 2016 showed this was something truly special.”[1]
The Rivalry: Head-to-Head in Record
While Styles and Cena have reportedly faced off 21 times across various WWE events, only five of these bouts have been broadcast—an indication of how often WWE would use this matchup as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in untelevised settings[2]. Their first main-roster PPV showdown at Money in the Bank 2016 saw Styles shock the WWE Universe by defeating Cena, signaling his legitimacy as a main-eventer[2].
A month later, at SummerSlam 2016, Styles defeated Cena again, cementing his status as a future WWE Champion. However, at Royal Rumble 2017, Cena evened the score, capturing his record-tying 16th world championship in a match remembered for its emotional intensity and expert in-ring storytelling[2].
The rivalry’s conclusion at Crown Jewel 2025—where Cena edged out Styles in what might be their final encounter—capped over a decade of elite-level competition, with Cena holding a slight 3-2 edge in televised singles matches[2]. “This final clash between the two effectively was a rubber match, with Cena taking a lead in the head-to-head record,” notes recent WWE statistics[2].
Chemistry and Elevation: How Styles & Cena “Made” Each Other
What made the AJ Styles–John Cena rivalry resonate wasn’t just the novelty—it was the chemistry. Their styles, literally, were polar opposites: Cena’s powerhouse, never-say-die persona versus Styles’ technical precision and aerial artistry. Yet, when they clashed, magic happened.
Styles credits Cena with elevating his WWE career: “He definitely made me. There’s no question in my mind that he helped make AJ Styles. He put me on a different level. Some of my best matches have been with John. That is also no question.”[1]
A producer close to both stars revealed, “They respected each other’s craft, but there was always a healthy tension—each wanted to outdo the other, and that showed in the matches. It’s rare when two veterans can still push each other to new levels, but Styles and Cena managed it every time.”[1]
This sentiment was echoed in their on-screen rivalry, which often blurred the line between fiction and reality. “We bring out the best in each other,” Styles emphasized[1].
The Matches: Five Stars and Instant Classics
Their encounters have been lauded as some of the most memorable in modern WWE history. From Money in the Bank 2016 to SummerSlam 2016, Royal Rumble 2017, and the recent Crown Jewel 2025 showdown, each bout raised the bar for in-ring storytelling and athleticism.
According to multiple industry insiders, the emotional and physical investment from both performers was evident. “Cena was always the ultimate measuring stick, but Styles met him step for step,” said one WWE commentator. “Their chemistry was undeniable—it was like watching two all-stars in their prime, even years after their peaks.”[3]
Cena’s comeback at the Royal Rumble 2017, followed by Styles’ resilient comebacks in their later encounters, added layers of drama to their feud. Their Crown Jewel bout in 2025 is already being called a “retrospective classic”—a fitting finale for a rivalry that defined an era[1].
The Impact: Elevation and Legacy
Styles’ victories over Cena were career-defining moments, instantly propelling him into WWE’s main event scene[4]. Conversely, Cena’s World Title victory at Royal Rumble 2017 against Styles helped cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats, tying Ric Flair’s record for most world championships[2][4].
But the rivalry’s impact extended beyond titles. It bridged a gap between WWE fans and those who had followed Styles’ journey through TNA and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. For a time, wrestling’s tribal barriers dissolved as audiences worldwide united to witness these dream matches.
A locker room source noted, “Their rivalry proved that WWE could benefit from outside talent, and it set the stage for the so-called ‘indie invasion’ that followed in later years. Styles showed you could be a star elsewhere and still be a star in WWE—provided you backed it up in the ring.”[1]
The Final Chapter: Mutual Respect and Tribute
As both men acknowledge the twilight of their in-ring careers, their rivalry has evolved into mutual respect and tribute. At Crown Jewel 2025, Cena and Styles performed a “greatest hits” tribute to their old opponents—a nostalgic nod to their shared history in the business[5].
Backstage after the match, a WWE official reported: “There were handshakes, hugs, and a lot of laughs. They both know what they meant to each other. It’s not just about wins and losses anymore—it’s about leaving a legacy for the next generation.”[5]
Styles reflects, “The fans made it amazing because they’re seeing something they never thought they’d see. Because we spent so much time apart it was special when we came together and had matches in WWE.”[1] That sense of something special—across promotions, across styles, across eras—is what set their rivalry apart.
Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Ages
The AJ Styles–John Cena saga is more than a series of matches—it’s a story of elevation, rivalry, and the power of pro wrestling to surprise and delight. For a few years, these two men carried WWE’s main event scene, delivering timeless classics that will be remembered for decades to come.
According to a veteran WWE staffer, “They gave us everything: drama, action, emotion, and above all, respect. That’s the kind of rivalry that defines this business.”[1]
As both men walk into the sunset of their wrestling careers, their legacy is secure. The WWE Universe will not soon forget the magic they created together—a magic that only comes when two all-time greats “bring out the best in each other”[1].