John Cena’s Greatest Matches: A WWE Career Retrospective

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John Cena is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. While debates about the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) are subjective, Cena’s work ethic, storytelling ability, and charisma are indisputable. Over his two-decade-long WWE career, Cena consistently delivered memorable matches that captivated audiences worldwide. As he prepares for his final WWE match against Gunther on December 13, 2025, it is worth revisiting some of his most iconic performances. Cena made his WWE television debut on SmackDown on June 27, 2002, facing off against Kurt Angle. Though he lost the match, Cena impressed fans and fellow wrestlers, including The Undertaker, who acknowledged his effort. His first championship came at WrestleMania 20 in 2004, where he defeated Big Show to win the United States Championship, employing his signature Attitude Adjustment in front of a roaring Madison Square Garden crowd. WrestleMania 21 in 2005 saw Cena defeat JBL to capture his first WWE Championship, the first of 17 world championship reigns. Cena’s WrestleMania success continued against Triple H at WrestleMania 22, retaining the title in a main-event match that showcased contrasting wrestling styles. Cena’s rivalry with Edge reached its peak at Unforgiven in 2006, where the two clashed in a high-risk Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the WWE Championship.

One of Cena’s most celebrated matches took place on Raw in London on April 23, 2007, against Shawn Michaels. The nearly one-hour bout is often regarded as one of the greatest matches in Raw history. Cena also showcased his resilience at the 2008 Royal Rumble, entering as the final entrant after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and winning the match to secure a title shot at WrestleMania 24. The Money in the Bank match against CM Punk in 2011 is frequently cited as Cena’s career-best encounter. The storyline revolved around Punk’s contract expiring and his attempt to win the WWE Championship before leaving the company. The match, held in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, combined exceptional in-ring action with a compelling narrative, elevating both performers.

Cena also participated in high-profile WrestleMania bouts against The Rock in 2012 and 2013. The two clashes, branded “Once in a Lifetime” and later “Twice in a Lifetime,” were defining moments for Cena and symbolized a passing-of-the-torch moment between wrestling eras. Another highlight was his match against Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules 2012, which marked Lesnar’s WWE return after an eight-year absence. Cena delivered a hard-hitting, physically intense match that reestablished Lesnar as a top competitor.

Cena’s rivalries with Randy Orton and AJ Styles further solidified his legacy. He faced Orton in a TLC match at TLC 2013 to unify the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships and clashed with Styles at Money in the Bank 2016, SummerSlam 2016, and Royal Rumble 2017 in a series of matches praised for their chemistry and storytelling.

In more recent years, Cena continued to innovate. At WrestleMania 36 in 2020, he and Bray Wyatt performed the Firefly Funhouse match, a psychological and artistic spectacle unique to the empty-arena era of COVID-19. In 2025, Cena passed the torch to Cody Rhodes, losing the WWE/World Championship at SummerSlam after previously defeating Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. Finally, on Raw in November 2025, Cena captured the Intercontinental Championship for the first time, completing his Grand Slam achievement before retirement.

John Cena’s WWE career is a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and ability to connect with audiences. From his debut against Kurt Angle to his farewell matches in 2025, Cena’s contributions to professional wrestling have left an indelible mark on the industry.