John Cena Put AJ Styles “On A Different Level” In WWE

AJ Styles has credited John Cena with helping “make him” in WWE.

Only months after his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles began a rivalry with John Cena that would deliver some of the best matches in Cena’s career. However, despite the positive reaction to their bouts, the two haven’t met in the ring since 2018. That will all change at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, when The Phenomenal One faces Cena one more time.

Reflecting on their 2016 rivalry on the Raw Recap podcast, Styles said there was no question that Cena got him to a different level in WWE.

“He definitely made me. There’s no question in my mind that he helped make AJ Styles. He put me on a different level, and some of my best matches have been with John (Cena). That is also no question. So, I don’t know where I would be exactly on the charts right now, if it hadn’t had been for John but it certainly did help being in the ring…”

Turning to Cena using the Styles Clash during a recent match, Styles says the 17-time World Champion didn’t ask beforehand, but he took it as a compliment.

“He didn’t call me. He didn’t ask if he could use it. But, with everything that he’s done for me, I took it as a compliment and even he said it on the interview, it was showing appreciation, and so, mind you, it’s never gonna be an AJ Styles ‘Styles Clash’ so, I forgive him pretty easy.”

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AJ Styles Says He’ll Never Wrestle John Cena Again After WWE Crown Jewel

During the same interview, AJ Styles addressed his upcoming match with Cena. The star says it’ll be the last time the pair are in the ring together, and there’s “probably” no Saudi offer that would persuade him to change his mind.

“Alright, well, well, let’s just be honest about the whole thing. I don’t know if you guys noticed, haven’t been in the main event picture lately. So, I just assumed that I wasn’t that important. But it sounds like, to me, the fans wanted this match, and at the end of the day, when it comes to John Cena’s retirement tour, we’re gonna give them what they want.

“So, I’m happy to have the opportunity to face John one more time and I can tell you this, it’ll never happen again. I don’t care how much money they offer us, we’re probably still — I said probably — we’re not going to Saudi Arabia to have another match. This is it. I know in my heart, this is the right thing and John’s gonna be retiring soon and I’m gonna be right behind him. It’s just the reality of two guys who have busted their butt for so many years, and busted their bodies at the same time. It’s time.”

Where do you think AJ Styles would be if his feud with John Cena hadn’t happened? Are you looking forward to seeing their last match at Crown Jewel? Let us know your thoughts below!

H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.