John Cena used the Styles Clash during his match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris, later revealing the move was a tribute to AJ Styles as he does not expect to face him one last time before his career concludes.
The moment occurred near the end of the contest after Paul attempted to use Cena’s own Five Knuckle Shuffle and AA against him. Cena countered and hit the Styles Clash, resulting in a nearfall that prompted “phenomenal” chants from the French crowd.
In a post-match interview, Cena explained the gesture was a way to acknowledge influential figures he won’t have the chance to wrestle again during his farewell tour.
“I’ve had a lot of opponents over the years, and with eight appearances left, I know I’m not going be able to wrestle everybody who’s influential in my career,” Cena stated. “But I think you saw tonight the best way I can say thank you to some of those people who have affected my career, kinda pay homage by taking some stuff and doing stuff I don’t normally do out there. I gotta shout out AJ.”
Cena also incorporated other signature moves into the match, including Baron Corbin’s End of Days.
The match in Paris was Cena’s 28th of a planned 36 appearances for his 2025 retirement tour, which is scheduled to end with a final match at a Saturday Night’s Main Event special on December 13. With a limited number of dates remaining, the homage suggests that a highly anticipated final encounter with his former rival is not in the company’s plans.
Following his victory over Paul, Cena confirmed his next appearance will be on the September 5 episode of SmackDown in Chicago. His remaining schedule also includes planned appearances at Wrestlepaloza in September, Crown Jewel in October, and Survivor Series: WarGames in November.