John Cena has been a pillar of WWE programming for almost 2 decades. While he has winded down his wrestling career in recent years to focus on Hollywood, there hasn’t been a year since 2004 when Cena has not wrestled in WWE. His continuous presence has provided the company and fans a stability that is not a regular feature of the wrestling fans.
This is why fans were left shocked when Cena announced his retirement tour at the 2024 Money In The Bank event. The 16-time world champion has confirmed that he will be returning to in-ring action for one final run in 2025 and say goodbye to active competition forever at the end of the year.
Like everyone else, we’re also planning to celebrate the legendary career of the Cenation leader in 2025. Before the time comes, however, here are some matches you can watch to remind yourself of the glorious journey of the former face of WWE:
John Cena vs. Edge vs. Triple H: Backlash 2006
John Cena faced his toughest challenge at Backlash 2006 in a Triple Threat match against Triple H and Edge. Cena had to contend with “The Game” and the “Rated R Superstar.”
Previously, he defeated Triple H at WrestleMania 22. Edge tried to outsmart Cena and Triple H, but their brief teamwork forced him back into the ring. The brutal battle intensified after Triple H bled from hitting a steel pole. Cena’s victory confirmed his place as WWE’s top star.
John Cena vs. John Bradshaw Layfield: Judgement Day 2005
John Cena vs. JBL at WWE Judgment Day 2005 was the match their WrestleMania 21 encounter should have been. After Cena’s grand pyro-filled entrance, the hardcore action kicked off brutally.
Both men used everything at their disposal. Cena bled heavily as the fight escalated. Memorable moments included Cena slamming JBL into a limo door. He battled atop his entrance truck and smashed JBL through glass panels. This bloody brawl solidified itself as one of Cena’s career highlights.
US Championship Match: John Cena vs. Cesaro: WWE Raw 2015
John Cena’s 2015 WWE United States Championship reign was legendary, thanks to weekly open challenges. Among the standout defenses was his match against Cesaro. The “Cesaro Section” erupted as Cesaro showcased his strength and agility. It gave Cena a tough fight.
Highlights included Cesaro’s suplexes, uppercuts, and a reversal of Cena’s STF into a Sharpshooter. Cena fought back with his signature moves, but Kevin Owens’ interference ended the match. Despite the finish, this bout remains a testament to Cesaro’s skills and Cena’s versatility.
John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan: SummerSlam 2013
Despite a severe elbow injury, John Cena refused to vacate the WWE Championship and faced Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam 2013. Bryan had overwhelming fan support and the match delivered an incredible clash of styles.
Cena’s power moves like the Superplex and Sitdown Powerbomb were all over this memorable match. Bryan’s technical brilliance included STF reversals and relentless dropkicks. The thrilling bout concluded when Bryan hit his debut Busaiku Knee and pinned Cena for the win. Cena’s resilience and ability to perform at 100% despite injury made this match unforgettable.
John Cena vs. Kevin Owens: WWE Elimination Chamber 2015
Kevin Owens made a huge impact during his 2015 NXT Championship reign. His debut match against John Cena at Elimination Chamber was one that glorifies him. The two champions engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth bout. Owens delivered stiff strikes, brutal DDT, and power moves to weaken Cena.
Owens shocked everyone by using Cena’s own finisher and ultimately winning with a second Pop-Up Powerbomb. This match solidified Owens as a main roster star and showcased Cena’s ability to deliver with any opponent.
John Cena vs. Edge: WWE Unforgiven 2006
John Cena and Edge’s rivalry peaked in their unforgettable Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match in Toronto. Fans know that Edge’s hometown is Toronto. The WWE Championship bout was brutal from the start. Edge smashed Cena’s head onto chairs and delivered a ladder-assisted dropkick.
The match highlights show Cena fought back by arm-dragging Edge onto a ladder but took a Powerslam through a table. Both men used chairs, ladders, and tables in punishing ways. Cena eventually locked Edge in a ladder-assisted STF and won with an Attitude Adjustment through two tables.
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins WWE SummerSlam 2015
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2015 was destined to be special. Rollins was dressed like the White Power Ranger. He started strong with his agility by hitting Cena with Suicide Dives and a Tope Con Hilo.
Cena fought back with a Springboard Stunner and even locked in a Figure-Four Leglock. Rollins executed an Attitude Adjustment and a stunning Frog Splash. Despite the controversial Jon Stewart interference, this match showcased their incredible chemistry and in-ring excellence.
Last Man Standing Match: John Cena vs. Umaga: Royal Rumble 2007
John Cena vs. Umaga at the 2007 Royal Rumble delivered a brutal Last Man Standing match that far exceeded their previous bout. Umaga dominated early by leaving Cena bloodied and on the brink of defeat.
Cena rallied and evaded a crash onto the announcer’s table after Umaga missed a headbutt. Armando Alejandro Estrada, Umaga’s manager, made a key mistake. Cena used the severed top rope to lock in an STF and knocked out Umaga. He secured a hard-fought victory and solidified his legacy.
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: Extreme Rules 2012
Brock Lesnar immediately targeted John Cena after he made his post-UFC return after WrestleMania XXVIII. This led to their brutal clash at Extreme Rules 2012. Lesnar showcased his MMA skills. Highlights suggest he dominated Cena with ground-and-pound strikes and limb-focused submissions, and a painful Kimura Lock.
Cena was bloodied and battered. He still lifted Lesnar while in the submission and slammed him onto steel steps. After a wild moment, Lesnar crashed off the top rope. Cena sealed his victory with an Attitude Adjustment and survived the most vicious match of his career.
John Cena: The GOAT of GOATs
John Cena’s career is a testament to his resilience and skill. These unforgettable matches depict intense rivalries to epic showdowns. They highlight his legacy in WWE and establish him as one of the GOATs. Relive these moments to appreciate his greatness as Cena prepares for his Farewell Tour.
