Top 10 Greatest Matches of John Cena Career
John Cena Career
Whenever WWE is mentioned in today’s world, Top 10 Greatest Matches of John Cena Career | one name that instantly comes to mind is John Cena. Over the course of more than 20 years, Cena not only captured 16 World Titles but also carried WWE on his shoulders during one of its most challenging eras. From being the face of the company to becoming a global icon, Cena built a legacy that very few superstars could ever match.
His famous catchphrase, “You Can’t See Me,” was not just a slogan — it became a cultural movement, adopted by millions of fans across the world. Cena’s career has been filled with unforgettable rivalries, epic encounters, and moments that defined an entire generation of WWE.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the Top 10 Greatest Matches of John Cena’s Career. Each rivalry tells a story — filled with drama, intensity, and iconic memories that continue to resonate with fans even today.
1. John Cena vs. The Rock – WrestleMania 28 (2012) | Top 10 Greatest Matches of John Cena Career
Rivalry History
When The Rock returned to WWE in 2011 after years in Hollywood, he wasted no time targeting Cena. This set up what many fans considered a dream match — the icon of the Attitude Era vs. the face of the PG Era. The build-up was personal, heated, and promoted as “Once in a Lifetime.”
Key Match
- WrestleMania 28, Miami
The atmosphere inside Miami’s Sun Life Stadium was electrifying. Fans were split, chanting both “Let’s Go Cena!” and “Rocky!” throughout the contest. Cena wrestled with aggression and showcased his strength, but The Rock leaned on his experience and charisma to control key moments. After an intense back-and-forth battle, The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom for the pinfall victory.
Impact
The match became one of the highest-grossing WrestleManias of all time, breaking buy rate records. While Cena lost, the feud elevated him even further on the global stage. It proved that Cena could headline and deliver in one of the most hyped matches in wrestling history.
2. John Cena vs. CM Punk – Money in the Bank (2011)
Rivalry History
The “Summer of Punk” storyline in 2011 changed the landscape of WWE. CM Punk’s now-legendary “Pipebomb” promo saw him criticize Vince McMahon, WWE management, and Cena himself. This set the stage for one of the most talked-about matches of the decade.
Key Match
- Money in the Bank 2011, Chicago
Inside the Allstate Arena, Punk had the home-field advantage with a crowd fully in his corner. From start to finish, the drama and storytelling were off the charts. Cena gave everything he had, but Punk matched him in intensity. After countless near falls, Punk defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship on the very night his contract was expiring. He then escaped through the crowd with the title, creating one of the most iconic visuals in WWE history.
Impact
This match is widely regarded as one of the greatest in WWE history. For Cena, it was a career-defining night that proved he was more than just WWE’s poster boy. He could deliver five-star classics under immense pressure, solidifying his legacy as a top-tier performer.
3. John Cena vs. AJ Styles – SummerSlam (2016)
Rivalry History
When AJ Styles debuted in WWE in 2016, fans immediately dreamed of a showdown with Cena. Styles, known as the king of the independent scene and global wrestling star, was determined to prove himself against WWE’s biggest name.
Key Match
- SummerSlam 2016
This match was wrestling perfection. Styles used his athleticism and counters to outsmart Cena, while Cena relied on his power and resilience. Every near fall had the crowd on edge. In the end, Styles secured a clean victory with the Styles Clash followed by a Phenomenal Forearm.
Impact
This rivalry showed that Cena was not afraid to put over new talent. Styles’ victory solidified him as a top star in WWE, while Cena earned respect for helping elevate one of the best wrestlers in the world.
4. John Cena vs. Randy Orton – Iron Man Match (Bragging Rights 2009)
Rivalry History
The Cena-Orton feud is one of the most intense and longest-running rivalries in WWE history. Spanning nearly a decade, it defined an era of WWE where both men were at the very top.
Key Match
- 60-Minute Iron Man Match, Bragging Rights 2009
The match featured every possible stipulation — falls count anywhere, no disqualification, and sheer brutality. Both men exchanged finishers, counters, and weapons. With the score tied late in the match, Cena locked Orton in the STF and forced him to tap out, securing the victory.
Impact
This bout cemented their rivalry as legendary. The storytelling and chemistry between Cena and Orton were second to none, and this remains one of their best matches.
5. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar – Extreme Rules (2012)
Rivalry History
When Brock Lesnar returned to WWE after dominating UFC, he set his sights on Cena. This feud was built on violence and realism, showing fans a side of Cena they had never seen before.
Key Match
- Extreme Rules 2012, Chicago
From the opening bell, Lesnar brutalized Cena with elbows, knees, and steel steps. Cena bled heavily and barely survived wave after wave of punishment. But in true Cena fashion, he mounted a comeback and delivered an Attitude Adjustment onto the steel steps to score a shocking win.
Impact
The match reintroduced Brock as “The Beast” while simultaneously reinforcing Cena’s image as the ultimate underdog who never gives up.
6. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 23 (2007)
Rivalry History
Shawn Michaels, one of the greatest storytellers in wrestling, challenged Cena for the WWE Championship. Their clash was a classic case of veteran vs. new face of the company.
Key Match
- WrestleMania 23
The match lasted over 30 minutes and showcased everything from technical wrestling to high drama. HBK’s experience shined, but Cena’s resilience was unmatched. Cena forced Michaels to tap out to the STF, retaining the WWE Championship.
Impact
This match not only made Cena’s first WrestleMania main event legendary but also cemented him as WWE’s future. For Michaels, it proved he was still capable of stealing the show at the biggest stage.
7. John Cena vs. Edge – TLC Match (Unforgiven 2006)
Rivalry History
The feud between Cena and Edge was deeply personal. Edge taunted Cena’s family and fans while playing the arrogant “Rated-R Superstar.”
Key Match
- TLC Match, Unforgiven 2006, Toronto
Edge had the advantage with his hometown crowd behind him, but Cena shocked everyone. The match was brutal, filled with broken tables, flying chairs, and insane ladder spots. Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment from the top of the ladder through two tables to reclaim the WWE Championship.
Impact
This win earned Cena respect from even the most hardcore fans. It proved he could thrive in high-risk environments and wasn’t just a squeaky-clean babyface.
8. John Cena vs. Batista – WrestleMania 26 (2010)
Rivalry History
Batista declared himself the true face of WWE, attacking Cena repeatedly. The feud was heated, with personal insults and brutal encounters.
Key Match
- WrestleMania 26
This was a clash of powerhouses. The crowd was split, creating an electric atmosphere. After a grueling match, Cena forced Batista to tap out with the STF, winning the WWE Championship.
Impact
This match strengthened Cena’s claim as the face of WWE, while also serving as Batista’s final major feud before leaving the company.
9. John Cena vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 22 (2006)
Rivalry History
Triple H questioned Cena’s credibility, claiming he wasn’t a “real wrestler” and didn’t deserve to be champion.
Key Match
- WrestleMania 22
The Chicago crowd largely sided with Triple H, booing Cena heavily. Despite the hostile environment, Cena overcame the odds and forced Triple H to submit to the STF, retaining his title.
Impact
This victory marked Cena’s arrival as WWE’s true top superstar. Fans began to recognize that Cena was here to stay.
10. John Cena vs. Kurt Angle – No Mercy (2003)
Rivalry History
Kurt Angle was one of Cena’s first true tests in WWE. Cena, still a rising star, had to prove that he wasn’t just another rookie.
Key Match
- No Mercy 2003
Cena fought aggressively, showing flashes of brilliance against the Olympic gold medalist. In the end, Angle forced Cena to tap out, but the performance won Cena the respect of both fans and critics.
Impact
This match laid the foundation for Cena’s career. It showed he could hang with the very best, paving the way for his future as WWE’s franchise player.
Conclusion
John Cena’s career has been filled with countless matches, but these Top 10 Greatest Matches represent the very best of his legacy. From the blockbuster showdown with The Rock, to the storytelling masterpiece with CM Punk, to the brutal TLC war with Edge — Cena always lived by his motto: Never Give Up.
For fans, John Cena is more than just a wrestler. He’s a symbol of hard work, determination, and perseverance. His matches are not just fights; they are stories of resilience that remain etched in the golden history of WWE.
FAQs
Q1: What was John Cena’s most iconic match?
A: WrestleMania 28 vs. The Rock is widely considered Cena’s most iconic match.
Q2: Who was Cena’s toughest opponent?
A: Brock Lesnar and CM Punk are both often regarded as Cena’s toughest rivals.
Q3: Why is the Cena vs. Randy Orton rivalry legendary?
A: Their rivalry dominated WWE’s main storylines from 2007–2014 and produced multiple classics.
Q4: When was Cena’s first WrestleMania main event?
A: WrestleMania 22 (2006) vs. Triple H was Cena’s first WrestleMania main event.
Q5: Is John Cena still active in WWE?
A: Cena makes part-time appearances today while focusing primarily on his Hollywood career.
