With his historic triumph at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, John Cena ended his losing run and earned his record-tying fourth Elimination Chamber victory. Cena defeated formidable opponents like CM Punk and Seth Rollins in an exciting bout that was full of surprises, eliminations, and dramatic confrontations.
In WWE, the title of “Greatest of All Time” is frequently used, but few people are as deserving of it as John Cena. He matched the illustrious 16-time world title reign of Ric Flair (though Flair is officially a 21-time champion) by carrying the organization for ten years. Despite early career criticism for his in-ring skills, Cena consistently disproved his detractors and went on to become one of WWE’s most recognizable performers.
Let’s examine a few of his greatest games that solidified his legendary reputation.
Monday Night Raw: John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels, April 23, 2007
When Cena fought Shawn Michaels in a non-title contest on a London, England, Monday Night Raw edition, it was one of his best performances. The fight, which was initially only supposed to last a brief section, ended up lasting an incredible 55 minutes and 49 seconds. By demonstrating their stamina, storytelling, and in-ring skills, the two superstars created an instant classic. Cena and Michaels demonstrated why they were among the greatest performers of their time by keeping the crowd up for almost an hour.
Money in the Bank 2011: John Cena vs. CM Punk, WWE Championship Match
While some matches define a whole period, others are just outstanding. Money in the Bank: Cena vs. Punk The latter was 2011. The stakes could not have been greater because Punk’s WWE contract was about to expire that evening and he had promised to take the WWE Championship with him. An electrifying atmosphere was created by the Chicago crowd’s strong support for punk. The actual match was a technical masterwork that combined kayfabe and reality. One of wrestling’s most famous moments was Punk’s triumph and subsequent escape into the crowd.
Unforgiven 2006: John Cena vs. Edge, TLC WWE Championship Match
Edge was Cena’s greatest enemy in the plot, if Randy Orton was his soulmate in the ring. This vicious TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) bout in Edge’s hometown of Toronto was the climax of their feud. The two put on an incredible fight with the WWE Championship at stake. Cena, who isn’t usually linked to intense fights, demonstrated his adaptability by withstanding Edge’s savage attack and winning the bout, regaining the title in spectacular way.
Umaga vs. John Cena: Royal Rumble 2007’s Last Man Standing Match
Although Cena has encountered many formidable foes, few were as powerful as Umaga. Cena’s tenacity was seen in their Royal Rumble 2007 Last Man Standing encounter. Cena’s triumph was all the more impressive because the Samoan Bulldozer had never been pinned or submitted before this evening. Both guys put on a fierce, bloody fight, and Cena’s victory cemented his status as a fighter who never gives up.
AJ Styles vs. John Cena at SummerSlam 2016
Although AJ Styles had established himself globally, his greatest challenge in the WWE came when he faced John Cena at SummerSlam. With Styles displaying his quickness and Cena demonstrating his experienced instincts, the match played up to the expectations. In a wrestling clinic, the two sparred back and forth, with Styles winning in the end and demonstrating his status as one of WWE’s top fighters. This bout demonstrated Cena’s capacity to develop potential and provide elite performances.
The winner of John Cena vs. CM Punk, Monday Night Raw, February 25, 2013, takes against The Rock at WrestleMania
Every time Cena and Punk entered the ring, their legendary meetings demonstrated their unmistakable synergy. This game was no different. There was an additional level of tension because of the huge stakes—facing The Rock at WrestleMania. When Cena delivered a surprising headscissor takedown in response to Punk’s uncommon piledriver, fans were taken aback. Both men’s technical skill and narrative skills were on full show during the bout.
ECW One Night Stand 2006: Rob Van Dam vs. John Cena, WWE Championship Match
At the 2006 ECW One Night Stand, Cena was more of a villain without actually turning than he has ever been. Taking on Rob Van Dam in front of an angry ECW crowd, Cena accepted the animosity and fought viciously. Both guys were able to demonstrate their toughness in the harsh setting, and RVD eventually won the WWE Championship, providing ECW with a much-needed global champion as its comeback approached.
WWE Championship Match: John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan, SummerSlam 2013
Daniel Bryan was rising at the time of the YES! Movement, and Cena was the ideal antagonist in this bout. Cena let Bryan show that he could compete with the world’s top technical wrestler, even while he remained a babyface. Although Randy Orton’s Money in the Bank cash-in ended Bryan’s title run, the bout was a masterpiece that ended with his victorious victory.
Monday Night Raw, July 6, 2015: John Cena vs. Cesaro, United States Championship Match
Some of the finest battles of Cena’s career occurred during the United States Championship Open Challenge, but his matchup with Cesaro stands out. Cena and Cesaro put on another technical display a week after Kevin Owens cut short a similar encounter. In an exciting fight that showcased both men’s athleticism and storytelling abilities, Cesaro came very near to winning several times, but Cena prevailed.
Although there have been many iconic matches during John Cena’s career, these stand out as some of his finest. Cena has often shown why he is one of WWE’s best performers, whether it was in a storyline-defining moment, a technical classic, or a taxing Last Man Standing bout.
