WWE SummerSlam 2016: 10 Things You Might Have Missed
5. John Cena Giving Up
John Cena vs. AJ Styles was the classic match everyone thought it would be. Most fans had this earmarked as the match of the night before SummerSlam had gone on the air, and it didn’t disappoint. Cena and Styles are two of the best “big match” performers of their generation, and they put it all on the line last night.
The ending was spectacular. After countless finisher kickouts, Cena took Styles to the top rope and looked to end things with an avalanche Attitude Adjustment. It took some work, but Cena eventually executed, and everyone thought it was over when AJ’s back hit the canvas - Cena included.
But no: AJ kicked-out, and Cena looked like he’d seen a ghost. It sent the crowd into a frenzy, but sucked the life out John, who just didn’t know how to react. Cena finally reacted and broke out of his trance, but it was too late: Styles nailed the Styles Clash and a Phenomenal Forearm to score a rare clean victory over WWE’s biggest star.
The post-match was just as significant as anything that happened between the bells. With AJ departed, Cena received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. He slowly pulled his signature “Never Give Up” armband and left it lying in the ring before saluting the crowd, and making his leave.
Is John Cena finished? Is he taking some time off? We’ll soon find out, but either way, the significance of this act shouldn’t be forgotten. In leaving the armband behind, John Cena “gave up.”