New Era vs. Old Era: Examining John Cena versus AJ Styles

PWP Nation’s Chris Baker examines the upcoming match between John Cena and AJ Styles at WWE Money In The Bank.

By executing a jaw-dropping heel turn on Monday Night Raw weeks ago, AJ Styles shocked the entire WWE Universe (and John Cena), sparking what could be one of 2016’s most memorable feuds. This rivalry could benefit both Cena and Styles.

However, there is a fine line between Cena’s veteran ring work and Styles’ “New Era” emergence. The Cenation Leader needs a victory, considering he just returned from injury. Cena’s obstacles include Styles’ unique and effective offense, as well as the presence of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, “The Club.”

It’s smart for WWE to give a three-on-one angle because of the following reasons:

1. If Cena wins a match against Styles, it reiterates his “never give up,” overcome the odds persona.
2. An old-time tag team could return to help Cena.
3. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows now have a distinct place on the roster, whereas they may be jobbing if they were to be competing in the tag team division

One key aspect of this “New Era” is change; WWE is promoting the fact that the company is heading in a new direction.

This was shown through Styles’ explosive heel turn, but also through his potential actions to take place during the next month or so. 

Now, what would a win over the 15-time world champion mean for Styles?

First and foremost, it would help “The Phenomenal One” bounce back from two failed WWE World Championship pursuits. A victory for Styles would also display the success of the “New Era.” He would prove his point that Cena is old news and Styles would then have something to brag about on the microphone, which is a smart way for Styles to unleash his inner heel.

But if Cena comes out on top, his return would be worth the wait.

The vicious beating performed by The Club may appear to slow Cena down. In the long run, though, it intensifies a win for Cena. After all, Cena has fought through dozens of obstacles, including Randy Orton, Triple H, JBL, Kurt Angle and the list goes on and on. In current times, Cena still exemplifies his versatility, as show in his United States Championship Open Challenges in 2015.

Although these past United States Championship matches brought forth stellar reviews, WWE may hold off on another Cena US Title run for now, considering the potential of the Styles/Cena rivalry. June seems like a solid month of feuding between Styles and Cena.

Perhaps there could be a few more promos, and maybe a backstage attack. Depending on the outcome of a Money in the Bank singles match, there may be time for one more match, come July. No matter who wins, a rematch at Battleground is a possibility. Then a month after it, Cena could attempt to tie Ric Flair‘s world title record at SummerSlam.

John Cena and AJ Styles have the potential to set the stage for the “New Era,” even though there’s only room for one of them to truly headline it.

Thanks for reading, everyone.

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