John Cena had plenty of praise for AJ Styles while speaking to TMZ inside the ring, but he also made it clear he takes retirement talk seriously — and thinks fans should too.
During the moment, Cena was asked what stands out most when he thinks about Styles’ career. Instead of jumping straight to big matches or titles, Cena focused on Styles as a person and the way he carried himself in a business where trash talk usually comes first. Cena explained that Styles was never the loudest personality, but that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most respected names in the business.
“Such a kind man. And when you look back on somebody’s efforts in their career, gosh, it was difficult to get him to trash talk in a trash talking business. Constant professional, amazing performer, brought the best out of me on many occasions. Very happy for him on this night.”
The conversation quickly shifted to the question many fans are asking right now — whether AJ Styles will really stay retired or eventually feel the urge to come back like so many wrestlers before him. Cena didn’t hesitate to share his stance. He made it clear that he believes retirement announcements should mean something, especially when fans invest their time and emotions into watching a performer’s final moments in the ring.
“I’m one of those folks who will be the first wrestler to actually retire. And I hope I set a trend and he’s the second. I think it’s very important that we respect our audience. And when they invest in us to see us for the last time, I think that that has weight and importance.”
Even with that strong belief, Cena admitted there’s one situation that could make a return feel right — family. With Styles’ son also involved in wrestling, Cena said that sharing the ring together could be a moment too meaningful to ignore.
“AJ’s path was a little different than mine. I know his son is also in the business. So as much as selfishly I want to say like, ‘Oh, you retired, why don’t you stay retired?’ If he has a chance to wrestle with his son, he should take it. And I think the audience would want to see that.”
Cena wrapped up by saying he trusts Styles’ judgment and believes the decision to step away wasn’t made lightly, especially for someone who has spent decades performing at the highest level.
“But hopefully he wouldn’t say that if he didn’t feel it was time to stop.”
Cena’s comments are likely to spark more discussion among fans who aren’t ready to see AJ Styles walk away just yet. While he made it clear retirement should be respected, he also acknowledged that one emotional return — especially alongside family — could be something special.
Do you think AJ Styles will stay retired for good, or would you want to see him come back for one final moment in the ring? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think.
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