John Cena honors his all-time rivals against AJ Styles: Crown Jewel 2025 highlights

Wrestling fans witnessed an instant classic as John Cena and AJ Styles delivered a high-octane, heart-pounding match that pushed both men to their absolute limits. From the very first lock-up, it was clear this wasn't just another main event—this was a war.

The match kicked into another gear with a skull-crushing finale, followed by a near fall as Cena went for the cover, only for Styles to kick out in the nick of time. The crowd erupted in disbelief.

One of the most unforgettable moments came when Styles attempted to lock in the calf crusher—but Cena, ever the ring veteran, would not allow it. Tapping out just isn’t in Cena’s DNA. Throughout his career, he’s been the embodiment of resilience, escaping submission after submission. And once again, he found his way out of danger.

In a stunning twist, Cena applied what looked like a camel clutch, echoing Rusev’s accolade. The power, the grit, and the drive to win radiated from both superstars. Cena then reversed into a Boston crab, or perhaps more fittingly, The Walls of Jericho, with AJ Styles trapped in the center of the ring. Would he tap out? Not tonight.

The agony on both men’s faces was evident, the crowd split, and the tension unmatched. Styles tried to go aerial, launching into a phenomenal forearm—but Cena caught him mid-air. The counter was stunning. Suddenly, the lights dimmed metaphorically as Cena channeled a darker presence. A Sister Abigail tease, a nod to Bray Wyatt, was cut short by Styles' swift reflexes.

Then came a moment no one expected—Cena set up for a pedigree, drawing a shocked reaction from the crowd. But again, Styles escaped. Cena, now seemingly hearing voices, paid tribute to Randy Orton, hitting a shocking RKO that nearly ended the match. Styles barely kicked out.

If that wasn’t enough, Cena tried to unleash the most sadistic move in Orton’s arsenal—the punt kick. But Styles saw it coming and rolled out of harm’s way. Seizing the opening, he dropped Cena with an Attitude Adjustment of his own, echoing Cena’s signature move. The pinfall? Two-count.

Then, perhaps the most surreal moment of the night—Cena goozled Styles, teasing a chokeslam and a tombstone-like maneuver, something straight out of The Undertaker’s playbook. Styles survived again.

As both men struggled to their feet, exhaustion painted across their faces, the final moments came down to one last burst. Styles went for the kill. Cena caught him, rolled through, and as JBL would say: "Big Match John is here."

And then—boom. A move out of nowhere. Shades of classic legends. Shades of modern greatness. The match was over.

But the moment? It will live forever.

Final Thoughts

John Cena vs. AJ Styles wasn’t just a match—it was a tribute to wrestling’s past, present, and future. With callbacks to legends like Jericho, Rusev, Orton, Bray Wyatt, Triple H, and even The Undertaker, this clash told a story that longtime fans will never forget.

Who really won? The fans. Because that night, they got everything.