Samoa Joe Reacts to AJ Styles’ Heartfelt Tribute in His 5-Star Classic Bout Against John Cena at Crown Jewel PLE

Ahead of AEW world title bout, Samoa Joe recently reflected upon AJ Styles using Joe's Coaquina Clutch on John Cena at Crown Jewel.

Samoa Joe Reacts to AJ Styles’ Heartfelt Tribute in His 5-Star Classic Bout Against John Cena at Crown Jewel PLE

Samoa Joe on AJ Styles vs. John Cena (via WWE)

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It is no secret that John Cena and AJ Styles were the driving forces behind WWE and TNA’s growth during their respective peaks. While Cena became the face of WWE, Styles was the heart and soul of TNA, the man who helped legitimize it as a true alternative to Vince McMahon’s empire. And while ‘The Phenomenal One’ was TNA’s centerpiece, fellow legend Samoa Joe wasn’t far behind.

Styles and Joe were part of what many consider TNA’s greatest match ever– their legendary Triple Threat at Unbreakable 2005 alongside Christopher Daniels. Fast-forward to the present day, and Styles continues to add to his legacy. At WWE Crown Jewel on October 11, Styles and Cena delivered a show-stealing encounter in Perth as part of Cena’s farewell tour.

Their bout, one of the highlights of the night, was filled with callbacks and tributes to their past rivals, including Joe, who shares ties with both men. During the match, Styles even locked in Joe’s signature Coquina Clutch, a respectful nod to his former TNA rival and one of several homages to icons from the Spike TV era of wrestling.

And in a recent interview with CBS Sports, the former WWE and TNA star spoke highly of the tribute and expressed joy to see two legends of the modern era put up a masterpiece. 

It’s incredibly cool. 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.

Samoa Joe via CBS Sports

Though Joe and Cena never faced each other in WWE, their connection runs deep. Both began their careers around the same time, training together in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW), the now-defunct California promotion where Cena was discovered. 

Joe fondly recalled a moment in the interview from those early days when Cena and Frankie Kazarian raided his father’s fridge, devouring six pounds of chicken breasts each in an impromptu eating contest. Joe and Styles, meanwhile, share one of wrestling’s richest rivalries. 

They have clashed across multiple promotions, including ROH, TNA, and WWE, each chapter adding to their storied legacies. Reflecting on Styles’ recent announcement of his impending retirement in 2026, Joe also praised his longtime friend and rival. 

AJ [Styles] is one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling. He’s definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler and expanded that category. Much like John, both had fantastic careers. I know for many fans it’s sad to see them go, and I can obviously see why. They’ve been such a big part of the industry for so long.

Samoa Joe via CBS Sports

Joe further noted it’s always rewarding to see people reach that stage in good health, ready to embrace new opportunities beyond the ring. The Crown Jewel match ended with Cena hitting his trademark Attitude Adjustment before the two embraced in the ring, a fitting symbol of mutual respect. 

Throughout the bout, Cena incorporated signature moves from past rivals like Bray Wyatt, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, and The Miz, while Styles paid tribute to Joe, Christopher Daniels, Sting, and Shawn Michaels. Now, with just four appearances left on his farewell tour, Cena’s next stop is set for Monday Night Raw in his hometown of Boston,  and fans are already eager to see who steps up as his next opponent.

Samoa Joe weighs on his retirement plans after latest AEW run

Samoa Joe began his professional wrestling career in late 1999 and officially signed a long-term deal with TNA on June 19, 2005. For the next decade, he became one of the promotion’s biggest stars, delivering unforgettable matches against the likes of AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Sting, and Mr. Anderson. 

After his stellar TNA run, Joe joined WWE’s NXT brand, where he became a two-time NXT Champion and a dominant force in the black-and-gold era. He later moved to WWE’s main roster and had high-profile rivalries with top names such as Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Styles, even challenging him for the WWE Championship. 

AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe in TNA
AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe in TNA (via ESPN)

Following a few injuries and his second release, Joe joined AEW in April 2022, where he has enjoyed an impressive resurgence. With nearly 25 years in the business, however, it seems that Joe may be nearing the end of his legendary career. In an interview with CBS Sports, the former AEW World Champion revealed that he plans to retire once his current AEW contract expires.

I’d say most likely, and honestly, I think it’s for a lot of reasons, and I think most of them are responsible. Obviously, you never want to outstay your welcome in this industry, and I have been fortunate that I have been able to be involved with it for over 25 years now.

Samoa Joe via CBS Sports

Joe explained that many people, including himself, want to protect their health as they get older, which makes that decision the most sensible path forward. However, he acknowledged that the world is unpredictable and that unexpected opportunities can arise, leaving room for possibilities despite his plan to prioritize long-term well-being.

That said, Joe’s journey isn’t over just yet. He is now set for a major showdown on October 18 at the AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view, where ‘Hangman’ Adam Page will defend his AEW World Championship against him. If Joe manages to dethrone Page, it will mark his second reign as AEW World Champion, his first lasting from December 2023 to April 2024.

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