John Cena's Greatest WWE Matches: A Look Back

John Cena, a name synonymous with WWE, has delivered countless memorable matches throughout his illustrious career. This article delves into some of his most iconic bouts, exploring the moments that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. From his early battles to his championship clashes, we'll revisit the matches that defined John Cena's career and captivated audiences worldwide.

Early Career Defining Matches

Before John Cena became the face that ran the place, he was a hungry young upstart looking to make a name for himself. These early matches showcased his raw talent, unmatched charisma, and unwavering determination, laying the foundation for the legendary career that would follow. One such match was his surprise debut against Kurt Angle in 2002. This wasn't just any debut; Cena went toe-to-toe with an Olympic Gold Medalist and one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of all time. The intensity and drama of this match instantly marked Cena as a star to watch. His unflinching attitude and impressive power moves against Angle signaled that a new force had arrived in WWE. This initial spark quickly evolved into a full-blown inferno, and John Cena's career quickly took off. The match served as a launchpad, propelling him into the spotlight and demonstrating that he had the potential to become something special. The match wasn't just a test; it was an audition, and Cena passed with flying colors, proving he could hang with the best. The fans immediately recognized his passion, and his connection with the audience became palpable from that moment forward. He was more than just a wrestler; he was an entertainer, a showman, and someone the fans could believe in, setting the stage for all that was to come. Even in defeat, Cena left a lasting impression, proving that he had the heart, skill, and charisma to become a major player in WWE. His performance against Angle was a sign of things to come, and it cemented his place as a future star in the making. Every slam, every near-fall, and every ounce of effort showcased the raw talent that would eventually propel him to the top of the wrestling world.

Another pivotal match during his early years was his United States Championship victory over Big Show at WrestleMania 20 in 2004. This was Cena's first major championship win, solidifying his status as a rising star. The match was a David vs. Goliath affair, pitting the smaller, faster Cena against the monstrous Big Show. Cena's victory was not just a win; it was a statement. It showed that he could overcome any obstacle, no matter how large. The crowd erupted as Cena delivered the FU (now known as the Attitude Adjustment) to Big Show, capturing the title and sending a clear message to the WWE Universe. This win was a turning point, signaling that Cena was ready to compete at the highest level. It wasn't just about winning a championship; it was about proving that he belonged among the elite. Cena's performance was nothing short of heroic, as he battled against the odds to emerge victorious. The match was a showcase of his resilience, his determination, and his ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The fans rallied behind him, cheering him on as he defied the odds and achieved the seemingly impossible. This victory was more than just a title win; it was a moment of triumph that solidified Cena's place as a true superstar in the making. The victory over Big Show was a testament to Cena's hard work and dedication, and it signaled the beginning of a new era in WWE.

Championship Clashes

John Cena's reign as a top WWE Superstar was defined by his numerous championship clashes. These matches were not just about titles; they were about legacies, rivalries, and proving who the best truly was. His epic battles with Edge, particularly their TLC match at Unforgiven 2006, are the stuff of legends. The hatred between Cena and Edge was palpable, and their matches were brutal, intense, and unforgettable. The TLC match was a chaotic spectacle of broken tables, ladders, and chairs, with both men putting their bodies on the line for the WWE Championship. Cena emerged victorious in this match, but not without paying a heavy price. The match was a testament to his toughness and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win. The rivalry with Edge was one of the most memorable of Cena's career, and their matches helped to define the Ruthless Aggression Era. It was a clash of styles and personalities, with Cena representing the clean-cut hero and Edge embodying the cunning villain. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and their matches were always must-see events. The TLC match, in particular, was a highlight of their rivalry, showcasing the extreme lengths to which both men were willing to go to achieve their goals. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both men delivering and absorbing unbelievable punishment. In the end, Cena's resilience and determination proved to be the difference, as he overcame Edge's devious tactics to retain his championship. The victory was a hard-fought one, and it solidified Cena's status as a true champion.

Another unforgettable championship clash was his rivalry with Shawn Michaels, culminating in their match at WrestleMania 23 in 2007. This match was a dream match for many fans, pitting two of the greatest performers in WWE history against each other. The build-up to the match was intense, with Michaels turning heel and becoming increasingly bitter and resentful of Cena's success. The match itself was a classic, showcasing the technical brilliance of Michaels and the raw power of Cena. The two men went back and forth, exchanging near-falls and signature moves, with the crowd on the edge of their seats. Cena eventually emerged victorious, but not without a tremendous fight from Michaels. The match was a testament to the skill and athleticism of both men, and it cemented their legacies as two of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. The rivalry with Michaels was a defining moment in Cena's career, as he proved that he could hang with the best in the business. The match at WrestleMania was a showcase of their talent and their ability to connect with the audience. It was a battle of generations, with Cena representing the new era of WWE and Michaels representing the old guard. The match was a classic for the ages, and it remains one of the most talked-about matches in WrestleMania history. Cena's victory was a symbolic passing of the torch, as he cemented his place as the face of WWE for years to come.

Iconic Rivalries and Matches

Beyond championships, John Cena was involved in several iconic rivalries that produced some of the most memorable matches in WWE history. His feud with CM Punk in 2011 was a groundbreaking storyline that blurred the lines between reality and fiction. Their match at Money in the Bank 2011 in Punk's hometown of Chicago is considered by many to be one of the greatest WWE matches of all time. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with the crowd overwhelmingly supporting Punk, the anti-establishment rebel. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men delivering incredible performances. Punk ultimately defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship, and the crowd erupted in celebration. The match was a game-changer for WWE, as it ushered in a new era of edgier, more realistic storytelling. The rivalry with Punk was a defining moment in Cena's career, as he proved that he could work with anyone, regardless of their style or background. The match at Money in the Bank was a testament to the skill and charisma of both men, and it remains one of the most talked-about matches in WWE history. The victory for Punk was a symbolic triumph for the underdog, as he overcame the odds to defeat the seemingly invincible Cena. The match was a watershed moment for WWE, as it signaled a shift in the company's creative direction. The rivalry with Punk challenged Cena's character and forced him to evolve as a performer. It was a time when WWE fans were on fire, excited for wrestling.

Another memorable rivalry was his series of matches with The Rock, culminating in their "Once in a Lifetime" match at WrestleMania 28 in 2012 and their rematch at WrestleMania 29 in 2013. These matches were not just about wrestling; they were about ego, legacy, and the clash of two generations of WWE Superstars. The build-up to the first match was intense, with both men exchanging verbal barbs and physical confrontations. The match itself was a spectacle, with both men delivering their signature moves and leaving it all in the ring. The Rock ultimately defeated Cena in the first match, but Cena evened the score in the rematch, defeating The Rock to win the WWE Championship. The rivalry with The Rock was a defining moment in Cena's career, as he proved that he could compete with the biggest stars in Hollywood. The matches at WrestleMania were a showcase of the star power of both men, and they helped to draw a huge audience to WWE. The rivalry was a modern-day classic, and it remains one of the most talked-about feuds in WWE history. The matches with the Rock were a testament to Cena's ability to adapt and evolve as a performer, as he proved that he could hang with the best, no matter who they were.

Later Career Highlights

As John Cena transitioned into a part-time role, his matches took on a new level of significance. His matches with younger talent, such as AJ Styles and Roman Reigns, helped to elevate these stars and solidify their place in WWE. His matches with AJ Styles, in particular, were praised for their incredible in-ring action and compelling storytelling. Cena put over Styles in their feud, helping to establish him as one of the top stars in WWE. These matches showed that Cena was willing to put his ego aside for the good of the company, and they cemented his legacy as a selfless performer. Cena's willingness to work with and elevate younger talent was a testament to his character and his love for the wrestling business. The matches with Styles were a reminder that Cena could still deliver at the highest level, even as he transitioned into a new phase of his career. The matches were a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring psychology, and they helped to revitalize Cena's career. Cena's ability to adapt and evolve as a performer was a key factor in his longevity and his continued success. His matches with younger talent showed that he was not afraid to take risks and that he was always willing to learn and grow. The matches were a reminder that Cena was more than just a wrestler; he was a mentor, a leader, and a true professional. His unselfishness really showed in these later matches.

John Cena's career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the wrestling business. His matches have entertained millions of fans around the world, and his legacy as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time is secure. From his early battles to his championship clashes and his later career highlights, John Cena has consistently delivered memorable moments that will be cherished by fans for generations to come.