John Cena's Greatest WWE Matches: A Look Back

Hey guys, are you ready to dive into the incredible career of one of WWE's biggest legends? I'm talking about none other than John Cena! This dude has been a cornerstone of WWE for over two decades, and he's delivered some absolutely unforgettable matches. So, let's get right into a few of John Cena's greatest WWE matches that cemented his legacy.

John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam - One Night Stand 2006

Okay, let's kick things off with a match that perfectly encapsulates the raw energy and unpredictability of WWE's One Night Stand event. Back in 2006, John Cena, who was the reigning WWE Champion at the time, faced off against Rob Van Dam (RVD) in what can only be described as an extremely hostile environment. This match wasn't just a battle of skill; it was a clash of cultures, with the rabid ECW crowd overwhelmingly supporting RVD and vehemently opposing Cena. From the moment Cena stepped into the Hammerstein Ballroom, he was bombarded with boos, jeers, and chants that would make your hair stand on end. The atmosphere was electric, and you could feel the animosity through the television screen. RVD, on the other hand, was treated like a conquering hero, riding the wave of nostalgia and hardcore wrestling enthusiasm that defined ECW. The match itself was an absolute war, a testament to both Cena's resilience and RVD's innovative offense. Cena, known for his never-give-up attitude, absorbed an unbelievable amount of punishment, including chair shots, table spots, and the constant interference from Edge. RVD, showcasing his signature high-flying moves and innovative offense, kept the champion on his toes, pushing him to his absolute limit. The turning point of the match came when Edge speared Cena through a table, allowing RVD to capitalize with a Five-Star Frog Splash to win the WWE Championship. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, celebrating RVD's victory as if it were the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This match wasn't just a win for RVD; it was a symbolic victory for ECW, a validation of its hardcore style and rebellious spirit. For Cena, it was a harsh lesson in the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, a reminder that even the most dominant champions can be vulnerable in the right circumstances. The match remains etched in the memories of WWE fans as one of the most intense and memorable championship matches in history, a perfect blend of storytelling, action, and crowd involvement.

John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels - Raw, April 23, 2007

Next up, we have an absolute classic that took place on Monday Night Raw in 2007: John Cena versus Shawn Michaels. This wasn't a pay-per-view spectacle; it was a free TV match that somehow managed to exceed all expectations. The two legends locked horns in an almost hour-long encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The match started with a slow and deliberate pace, as both Cena and Michaels carefully gauged each other's strengths and weaknesses. Cena, the powerhouse, relied on his brute strength and signature moves like the protoplex and the five-knuckle shuffle. Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid, showcased his agility, technical prowess, and uncanny ability to sell a move. As the match progressed, the intensity gradually ramped up. Both superstars exchanged a series of near falls, each one more heart-stopping than the last. The crowd was electric, fully invested in the drama unfolding before their eyes. What made this match so special was the storytelling. Cena, the ever-resilient hero, refused to stay down, while Michaels, the crafty veteran, used every trick in the book to try and secure the win. There were moments when it seemed like Michaels had Cena beat, but the Champ always found a way to kick out at the last possible second. Similarly, Michaels weathered Cena's powerful offense, displaying his trademark resilience and determination. The match reached its climax when both men were completely exhausted, battered, and bruised. In the end, after nearly an hour of non-stop action, Cena finally managed to hit the Attitude Adjustment to secure the victory. But even in defeat, Michaels earned the respect of Cena and the WWE Universe. This match is a testament to the fact that you don't need a championship on the line or a heated rivalry to create a classic. All you need is two talented performers who are willing to push each other to their limits. The match between John Cena and Shawn Michaels on Raw in 2007 is a timeless example of what makes professional wrestling so captivating.

John Cena vs. CM Punk - Money in the Bank 2011

Now, let's talk about a match that wasn't just great; it was a cultural phenomenon. I'm talking about John Cena versus CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011. This match had everything: incredible in-ring action, a white-hot storyline, and an electric atmosphere. The backdrop was Chicago, Punk's hometown, and the crowd was overwhelmingly in his favor. Punk had just delivered his infamous "pipe bomb" promo, where he aired his grievances with WWE and threatened to leave the company with the WWE Championship. The storyline was so compelling because it blurred the lines between reality and fiction, making fans question what was real and what was scripted. The match itself was a masterpiece. Punk and Cena had incredible chemistry, and they told a story of two contrasting characters battling for supremacy. Cena, the established face of WWE, represented the old guard, while Punk, the rebellious anti-hero, symbolized the changing landscape of professional wrestling. The action was fast-paced and brutal, with both men exchanging a series of devastating moves. Punk targeted Cena's knee throughout the match, weakening his opponent and limiting his mobility. Cena, in turn, used his power and strength to try and overwhelm Punk. The ending of the match was controversial but unforgettable. After a series of near falls, Punk managed to hit the GTS (Go To Sleep) to defeat Cena and win the WWE Championship. But the drama didn't end there. As Punk celebrated his victory, Vince McMahon came out and ordered Alberto Del Rio to cash in his Money in the Bank contract. However, Punk anticipated the move and knocked Del Rio out before fleeing the arena with the WWE Championship. The crowd went wild, chanting Punk's name as he disappeared into the Chicago night. This match is considered one of the greatest in WWE history because it captured the imagination of fans and transcended the boundaries of professional wrestling. It was a perfect storm of storytelling, action, and atmosphere that will be remembered for years to come.

John Cena vs. AJ Styles - SummerSlam 2016

Alright, let's jump ahead to 2016, where John Cena faced off against AJ Styles at SummerSlam. This match was a dream come true for many fans who had long wanted to see these two incredible performers collide in the ring. Styles, who had made a name for himself in TNA and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, had recently joined WWE and quickly established himself as one of the company's top stars. Cena, on the other hand, was still at the top of his game, eager to prove that he could hang with the new generation of talent. The match lived up to all the hype and exceeded expectations. Styles and Cena put on a clinic, showcasing their incredible athleticism, technical skills, and storytelling ability. The action was fast-paced and innovative, with both men pulling out all the stops to try and secure the victory. Styles targeted Cena's arm throughout the match, attempting to weaken his opponent and set him up for the Styles Clash. Cena, in turn, relied on his power and resilience to try and overcome Styles's offense. The match was filled with near falls, reversals, and counters, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The ending of the match was decisive and impactful. After a series of back-and-forth exchanges, Styles managed to hit the Styles Clash, followed by a Phenomenal Forearm, to defeat Cena. The crowd erupted in cheers as Styles celebrated his victory, cementing his status as one of WWE's top stars. This match was a testament to the fact that John Cena is willing to put over new talent and help elevate them to the next level. It was also a reminder of AJ Styles's incredible ability to adapt to any situation and deliver a world-class performance.

John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan - SummerSlam 2013

Last but certainly not least, we can't forget John Cena versus Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam 2013. This match was special for so many reasons. Bryan, the underdog fan favorite, was finally getting his shot at the WWE Championship against the established superstar, Cena. The storyline leading up to the match was compelling, with Vince McMahon and Triple H questioning whether Bryan had what it took to be the face of WWE. The crowd was overwhelmingly behind Bryan, chanting "Yes!" with every move he made. The match itself was an instant classic. Bryan and Cena had incredible chemistry, and they told a story of David versus Goliath, with Bryan using his technical skills and agility to try and overcome Cena's power and strength. Cena, who was legitimately injured going into the match, showed incredible toughness and determination, battling through the pain to deliver a memorable performance. The action was fast-paced and exciting, with both men exchanging a series of near falls and submission attempts. The ending of the match was unforgettable. After a grueling battle, Bryan managed to hit the running knee to defeat Cena and win the WWE Championship. The crowd erupted in jubilation as Bryan celebrated his victory, finally proving that he belonged at the top of WWE. However, the celebration was short-lived. After the match, Randy Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, with the help of Triple H, to win the WWE Championship, crushing Bryan's dreams and setting the stage for a long and compelling storyline. This match is remembered as one of the greatest in SummerSlam history, a testament to the incredible talent of John Cena and Daniel Bryan, and the power of storytelling in professional wrestling. So, there you have it, a look back at some of John Cena's greatest WWE matches. These matches not only showcased his incredible talent and athleticism but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time.

John Cena’s contributions to WWE are immeasurable. His dedication to the sport, his unwavering commitment to entertaining fans, and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages have made him a true icon. Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that John Cena has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. His matches continue to be talked about and celebrated, inspiring future generations of wrestlers and fans alike. So next time you’re looking for some great wrestling action, be sure to check out these John Cena classics. You won’t be disappointed!