AJ Styles says Saturday’s showdown with John Cena at Crown Jewel will be their last — no exceptions, no rematches.
During a special Crown Jewel edition of WWE’s Raw Recap podcast, Styles ruled out any future match with Cena, saying that not even a huge payday could lure him back.
“It will never happen again,” said Styles. “I don’t care how much money they offer us. We’re not going to Saudi Arabia and having a match.”
The former WWE and TNA Champion described the reality for two veterans, noting Cena
is retiring soon and adding, “I’ll be right behind him.” He admitted that he hadn’t been in WWE’s main event scene recently and doubted a final battle against Cena was possible.
That changed after Cena faced Logan Paul at Clash in Paris in August. During the match, he used Styles’ signature move, the Styles Clash, as a tribute to his former foe. Later, Cena said honoring past rivals mattered since final matches with them seemed unlikely this late in his retirement tour.
Cena’s tribute sparked fan demand, and after a social media exchange between him and Styles, WWE officially booked their match for Crown Jewel.
With time winding down for both men, Styles promised fans an all-out effort on Saturday.
“When we’re done, you will know that it will be left all out in the ring. If this is what the fans want, we’re gonna give it to them,” said Styles.
Styles’ refusal of a lucrative comeback comes after WWE announced last month that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Saudi Arabia. Reports say Saudi officials aim to bring back retired legends, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, for potentially wrestling’s biggest payday ever.
