John Cena defeats AJ Styles in Saudi Arabia, Crown Jewel Event Hints at TNA Collaboration
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – John Cena emerged victorious against AJ Styles at WWE’s Crown jewel event on November 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant win in what WWE has promoted as a potential final chapter for the 16-time world champion. The match, lauded by fans and critics alike, saw Cena overcome Styles after a grueling contest featuring signature maneuvers from both competitors.
The bout itself was a spectacle, with both wrestlers delivering a high-impact performance. Cena ultimately secured the win with an Attitude Adjustment, solidifying his legacy and fueling speculation about his future within the company. While billed as a possible final match, WWE has not officially confirmed Cena’s retirement.
Though, beyond the main event result, Crown Jewel sparked considerable discussion amongst wrestling fans due to several apparent nods to TNA (now Impact Wrestling). Keen-eyed viewers noted visual and audio cues throughout the event that appeared to reference the rival promotion, including specific lighting patterns reminiscent of early TNA shows and a brief musical sting similar to the theme song used during TNA’s early years.
These Easter eggs have ignited speculation about a potential collaboration between WWE and Impact Wrestling, notably following the recent ESPN deal to broadcast WWE content. While neither company has officially commented on the matter, the deliberate inclusion of these references suggests a possible acknowledgement of TNA’s influence on the wrestling landscape and a potential opening for future cross-promotional opportunities.
The event also featured the proclamation of Gunther as John Cena’s final opponent for a special SNME episode on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Packages for this event have already begun to generate controversy, with the top-tier “WWE Champion Package” priced at $11,500, including floor seating, a photo prospect with Cena, exclusive gifts, and premium seating for a show hosted by The Undertaker. This pricing has drawn criticism from fans already concerned about rising ticket costs for WWE events and the increasing expense of streaming WWE content.
