The wrestling world witnessed a moment of pure class on Wednesday night that transcended company lines. During a heated World Title defense on AEW Dynamite, Samoa Joe paused the violence to pay respect to an old friend.
It happened in the blink of an eye but spoke volumes. While trapping Eddie Kingston in a submission hold, Joe looked directly down the lens and offered a salute that instantly went viral. The gesture was a clear, respectful nod to John Cena during his farewell year.
A Tribute That Stopped the Show
The main event of Dynamite was already delivering on its promise of brutality. Samoa Joe and Eddie Kingston traded heavy hits in a match that kept the crowd on their feet.
The turning point came late in the bout. Joe took Kingston down and locked in the STF. This is a move made famous globally by John Cena.
Joe did not just apply the hold; he made a statement.
With Kingston struggling on the mat, Joe turned his gaze to the hard-cam. He raised his hand in a sharp, military-style salute.
Samoa Joe performing STF submission hold wrestling ring salute
Fan Reaction: “It was goosebumps. You don’t see that kind of cross-company respect every day. Joe knows what year this is for Cena.”
This was not mocking. It was a warrior acknowledging a legend. The crowd in the arena caught on immediately. A ripple of applause broke out even before the match reached its conclusion.
The Champ Responds on Instagram
Social media exploded the second the show went off the air. Fans on X and Instagram began tagging John Cena to ensure he saw the moment.
It did not take long for the “Doctor of Thuganomics” to respond.
Cena took to his Instagram story early Thursday morning. He posted a raw screenshot of Joe’s salute from the broadcast. He kept his response simple but poignant.
The caption expressed deep gratitude to his former training partner.
Social Media Buzz:
- 200,000+ views on the clip within the first hour.
- #CenaSalute trended in the United States sports category.
- Comparison videos of their early days flooded TikTok.
Cena is currently wrapping up his heavily publicized retirement tour throughout 2025. Receiving such a public nod from a top star in a rival promotion highlights the impact he has left on the industry.
Brothers from the Same Gym
This connection goes far deeper than just two veterans working in the same business. Their story began over two decades ago in California.
Both men started their journey at Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW). They trained under the watchful eye of Rick Bassman.
They were in the same class. They took bumps on the same mats. They learned the fundamentals of the art form side by side before their paths diverged.
| The Shared Path | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | UPW (California) |
| Era | Early 2000s |
| Trainer | Rick Bassman |
| Success | Both became World Champions in major promotions |
Joe went on to define the indie style and became a legend in Ring of Honor and TNA. Cena went to WWE and became the face of a generation.
Despite working for different companies for most of their careers, the mutual respect never faded. This salute was a call back to those sweaty days in a California gym where two future icons were just trying to make it.
The Final Countdown for a Legend
The timing of this tribute adds a layer of emotional weight. John Cena announced back in 2024 that 2025 would be his final year in the ring.
He has spent the last 12 months saying goodbye to the fans and the business he loves.
The wrestling community has been in a reflective mood all year. Every match feels like history. Every appearance feels like a closing chapter.
Samoa Joe’s gesture reminds us that loyalty exists beyond contracts.
It was a perfect way to honor the legacy of a man who changed the business. It also showed that no matter which channel you watch, the brotherhood of wrestling remains strong.
As the show closed, Joe stood tall with his title. But for a brief second, he shared the spotlight with an old friend who is finally hanging up his boots.
The wrestling world is preparing for a future without John Cena in the ring. Moments like this make the farewell a little more special.
Do you think we will see one final face-to-face interaction between these two legends before the year ends? Share your thoughts in the comments below using #CenaJoeHistory.
