AJ Styles (Blue & White trunks), John Cena (Jean shorts). Crown Jewel at RAC Arena on October 11, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by WWE)
UPDATE: A breathtaking showdown unfolded at WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Perth on October 21, 2023, as John Cena faced AJ Styles in a match that left fans in awe. The electric atmosphere at RAC Arena was palpable, with over 13,000 fans in attendance, many donning yellow t-shirts designed specifically for the night.
The match has been hailed as a heartfelt tribute to wrestling, showcasing Cena’s iconic moves paired with a powerful homage to the late Bray Wyatt. As the event progressed, the crowd erupted into cheers when Cena executed Wyatt’s signature maneuver, Sister Abigail, igniting a wave of emotion throughout the arena.
Witnesses noted the intensity of the moment as fans illuminated RAC Arena with their phone lights, reminiscent of Wyatt’s famous firefly entrance. The shared experience drew even WWE legends from backstage, as superstars like CM Punk and Bayley joined the audience to soak in the historic moment.
“A lot of us backstage got to be fans for the time,” said Grayson Waller, reflecting on the extraordinary atmosphere. “This was a time for all of us to go out there. It’s like watching history unfold right in front of you.”
Cena’s performance was a masterclass of nostalgia, incorporating moves from wrestling’s biggest names, including the Undertaker’s tombstone piledriver and Randy Orton’s RKO. The crowd cheered “Yes, YES, YES” as they recognized Daniel Bryan’s influence during the match, further amplifying the emotional intensity.
The sheer spectacle captivated even the most seasoned wrestlers. Dominik Mysterio, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, commented, “They were paying homage to everyone they’ve wrestled over the years. It was cool to see.”
The evening was filled with star power, with personalities like Rove McManus and former rugby star Sonny Bill Williams in attendance, all relishing Cena’s farewell tour. McManus expressed his excitement, stating, “It was their last chance to see John Cena in Australia, and it happened here in Perth.”
Throughout the match, chants of “Thank you, Cena!” echoed, while fans celebrated with chants of “This Is Awesome” during the 27-minute spectacle. Cena engaged the audience early on with his trademark “You Can’t See Me” and the five knuckle shuffle, further solidifying his legacy in the ring.
Even Triple H, WWE’s chief content officer, praised the event, describing the fan turnout as “incredible,” emphasizing the importance of connecting with memorable moments in wrestling history. He noted the sea of yellow shirts as a testament to Cena’s impact, saying, “You just want to have something you can take home… and say, ‘I was there.’”
As the night concluded, Cena’s emotional reaction was clear. “This is crazy. I haven’t seen something like this!” he exclaimed, capturing the essence of a night that will be remembered for years to come.
With Cena’s future in the ring uncertain, fans left RAC Arena with memories of a stunning tribute and a celebration of wrestling’s rich history. The outpouring of emotion and connection with the crowd highlighted what wrestling means to its fans, solidifying this event as a landmark moment for WWE and its legends.
Fans are now eagerly discussing the significance of this match, making it a trending topic across social media platforms. As the wrestling community continues to reflect on this unforgettable night, the legacy of John Cena remains firmly in the spotlight, setting the stage for what’s next in the world of wrestling.
