From his debut as a fresh-faced Ruthless Aggression rookie to his status as a 16-time world champion and Hollywood megastar, John Cena’s 23-year journey with WWE has been nothing short of extraordinary. The man who started with just five moves of doom became the face of WWE for over a decade and transcended wrestling to become a global icon.
With Cena recently announcing his retirement from in-ring competition in 2025 as part of a farewell tour (though not a permanent goodbye to WWE), it’s the perfect time to look back at his incredible career.
So grab your Never Give Up wristbands and your jorts because we’re diving into the Cenation to rank every single year of John Cena’s WWE tenure from worst to best. Trust us, some of these rankings might surprise you!
23. 2002 – Ruthless Aggression debut
Key Moments: Debut against Kurt Angle, early SmackDown appearances
Championships: None
Remember when a young, crewcut John Cena walked out to answer Kurt Angle‘s open challenge on June 27, 2002? That “ruthless aggression” moment was supposed to be the start of something special, but let’s be honest – Cena’s rookie year was pretty forgettable.
After his initial program with Angle fizzled out, Cena became just another face in the SmackDown locker room, wearing generic trunks and showing little of the personality that would later make him famous.
He had matches with guys like Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero that barely anyone remembers now. WWE clearly didn’t know what they had on their hands yet, and Cena himself was still figuring out who he was as a performer.
It’s crazy to think this awkward rookie was just a character change away from becoming the biggest star in company history. Even Superman had his Clark Kent phase, right?
22. 2003 – Finding his character
Key Moments: Adopting the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, Halloween SmackDown rap battle
Championships: None
Talk about a career-saving transformation! After nearly being released (yes, WWE almost fired John Cena – can you imagine?), Cena accidentally found his calling when he started freestyle rapping on a European tour bus, impressing Stephanie McMahon with his verbal skills.
This happy accident led to the birth of the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” a trash-talking, chain-wearing rapper who could cut opponents down with words before beating them in the ring. While 2003 didn’t feature any major championships or marquee victories, it was absolutely crucial for his character development.
His Halloween rap battle on SmackDown showed signs of the charismatic performer we’d come to know, and his increasingly elaborate rhymes before matches became must-see TV.
Fans were starting to take notice, merchandise was beginning to sell, and behind the scenes, WWE executives were recognizing they’d struck gold with this new persona. The foundation was laid for what would become a record-breaking career.
21. 2022 – Surprise return
Key Moments: Money in the Bank surprise appearance, Raw 20th Anniversary appearance
Championships: None
By 2022, seeing John Cena in a WWE ring had become a rare treat rather than a regular occurrence. With his Hollywood career hitting new heights (Peacemaker, anyone?), Cena made only a handful of appearances throughout the year.
His surprise return at Money in the Bank absolutely blew the roof off the place, proving that absence really does make the heart grow fonder – even from fans who once booed him mercilessly! It’s funny how things change, isn’t it?
The “Cena sucks” chants had largely transformed into an appreciation for a legend. Despite the positive reactions, this year ranks low simply because we saw so little of him. His Raw 20th Anniversary appearance felt special but fleeting, like catching up with an old friend who can only stay for coffee before rushing off to his next appointment.
While the quality of these appearances was high, the quantity keeps 2022 near the bottom of our rankings. Still, each Cena sighting had become an event unto itself – a testament to the legacy he’d built.
20. 2019 – The Invisible Man
Key Moments: WrestleMania 35 return as “Doctor of Thuganomics,” feud with Baron Corbin
Championships: None
You know that old joke about not being able to see John Cena? Well, in 2019, it became more truth than punchline! As Cena further embraced his Hollywood career, his WWE appearances became increasingly sporadic. When he did show up, though, he made it count.
His throwback appearance as the “Doctor of Thuganomics” at WrestleMania 35 was an absolute blast from the past that had longtime fans losing their minds. Watching Cena drop rhymes on Elias felt like a time machine back to 2003, proving he could still connect with that old character when called upon.
Outside of that nostalgic highlight, his brief program with Baron Corbin didn’t exactly set the world on fire, though it did help elevate Corbin (somewhat). What’s interesting about this period is seeing how WWE began treating Cena’s appearances as special attractions – similar to how they once used legends like The Rock or Stone Cold.
The part-timer criticism that Cena himself once levied against others had finally come full circle. However, most fans had made peace with his reduced schedule, given everything he’d contributed to WWE over the years.
19. 2020 – Pandemic era
Key Moments: Firefly Fun House Match against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 36
Championships: None
If there was ever a year that proved John Cena’s willingness to think outside the box, it was 2020. With the pandemic forcing WWE to get creative, Cena participated in one of the most unusual and fascinating matches in WrestleMania history – the Firefly Fun House match against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
The cinematic bout explored Cena’s insecurities, regrets, and the sacrifices he made to become “The Face That Runs the Place.” Despite appearing in just this one match all year (largely thanks to COVID restrictions and his Hollywood commitments), Cena showed he could still contribute meaningfully to WWE storytelling even with minimal ring time.
The willingness of a 16-time world champion to get this weird and introspective speaks volumes about Cena’s commitment to the business – even if we barely saw him in 2020, what we did see was absolutely unforgettable and unlike anything he’d done before.
18. 2021 – Back to challenge Roman Reigns
Key Moments: SummerSlam return, feud with Roman Reigns, Money in the Bank appearance
Championships: None
“The Champ is here!” Those four words at Money in the Bank 2021 sent fans into an absolute frenzy as Cena made his return to WWE after more than a year away. The timing couldn’t have been better, with Roman Reigns reaching new heights as the Tribal Chief and live crowds finally returning after the pandemic.
Their SummerSlam main event felt genuinely massive – a true clash of different eras of WWE. While Cena ultimately came up short (putting over Roman clean in the middle of the ring), the program itself was compelling television.
Cena cut some of his most passionate promos in years, attacking Roman’s character and position in the company with the kind of fire that reminded everyone why he was once the standard-bearer. The dynamic was fascinating – Cena portraying himself as the returning hero despite years of polarizing fan reactions, while Roman had fully embraced his villain role.
Their match delivered on the hype, feeling like a genuine passing of the torch moment. Though Cena’s 2021 run was brief, it accomplished exactly what it needed to: cementing Roman’s status while reminding fans of Cena’s enduring star power. The “Spear heard ’round the world” provided a fitting chapter in both men’s storied careers.
17. 2023 – Making history
Key Moments: Money in the Bank appearance, facing Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39
Championships: None
Even with a schedule limited by his soaring Hollywood career, John Cena found time to make wrestling history in 2023. His WrestleMania 39 match against Austin Theory wasn’t just another match – it represented Cena’s 16th consecutive WrestleMania appearance, an incredible milestone that speaks to his longevity and commitment to WWE.
While Theory wasn’t exactly the dream opponent many fans might have wanted for Cena, their match told an interesting story of the brash young champion seeking validation from the franchise player.
It’s you. It’s me. It’s us.
Thank you to the incredible crowd at #Smackdown and @WWE Universe for allowing me to continue to spend time with you. Good & bad, ups & downs I am grateful for every second we spend together. pic.twitter.com/bEmjqcf4no— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 21, 2023
Cena’s willingness to put Theory over clean showed his dedication to elevating the next generation, even if fans desperately wanted to see him tie Ric Flair’s championship record.
Each 2023 appearance felt special precisely because they were so rare, with fans knowing they might be witnessing some of his final matches. The looming reality of Cena’s wrestling career winding down added poignancy to every entrance, match, and promo.
16. 2024 – The beginning of the end
Key Moments: Royal Rumble appearance, WrestleMania 40 segment, retirement announcement
Championships: None
When John Cena took the microphone in the middle of 2024 to announce his retirement plans for 2025, you could hear a pin drop in the arena. After 23 years, the most polarizing superstar in modern WWE history was finally planning his exit strategy – not a complete goodbye to WWE, but the end of his regular in-ring career.
It was a moment that made even his harshest critics feel emotional. His appearances throughout 2024 took on new significance with this announcement, as fans realized each match could be one of his last in their city.
His Royal Rumble appearance generated a thunderous reaction, while his WrestleMania 40 segment allowed him to interact with a new generation of superstars who grew up watching him.
What’s remarkable about 2024 is how Cena has embraced his role as an elder statesman of WWE, putting younger talent at centerstage while still maintaining his legendary aura.
Every appearance has felt like watching the closing chapters of an epic novel – you know the end is coming, but you’re savoring every word. The anticipation for his 2025 farewell tour has already begun building, with speculation about who his final opponents might be and which classic rivalries might be revisited one last time.
15. 2018 – Part-time status takes hold
Key Moments: Return at Super Show-Down, tag team with Bobby Lashley
Championships: None
By 2018, John Cena’s transformation into a part-time WWE performer was complete. With Bumblebee and other Hollywood projects demanding more of his time, Cena’s WWE appearances became increasingly special occasions rather than weekly occurrences.
His matches at Super Show-Down in Australia and Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia felt like big deals precisely because they were rare. Cena’s tag team with Bobby Lashley against Kevin Owens and Elias showed he could still deliver in the ring when called upon, even if his move-set had become more condensed and his cardio wasn’t quite what it once was.
What’s interesting about 2018 is how WWE began presenting Cena – no longer as the indestructible hero but as a veteran trying to prove he still belonged in the changing landscape of WWE. His surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble generated a massive reaction, demonstrating his enduring star power.
Though championship gold eluded him this year, Cena’s ability to elevate any segment he appeared in confirmed his status as one of WWE’s most valuable part-time attractions. The “Face That Runs the Place” had become the “Face That Shows Up Sometimes,” but fans were starting to appreciate him more for it.
14. 2017 – Passing the torch
Key Moments: Proposal to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33, feud with Roman Reigns
Championships: None
If you want to pinpoint when John Cena fully embraced his role as WWE’s elder statesman, 2017 is probably it. This was the year Cena’s WWE priorities began shifting noticeably, both professionally and personally.
His WrestleMania 33 mixed tag match alongside then-girlfriend Nikki Bella against The Miz and Maryse wasn’t exactly a technical masterpiece. Still, his real-life marriage proposal afterward became one of the most memorable non-wrestling moments in WrestleMania history.
The sight of Cena on one knee in the middle of the ring represented a rare glimpse into his personal life that he’d kept guarded for so many years. His subsequent feud with Roman Reigns included some truly remarkable promo work, with Cena seemingly breaking character to deliver “shoot” comments that blurred the lines between reality and storyline.
Their exchanges felt raw and personal in a way WWE rarely allows, with Cena essentially holding a masterclass in microphone work. When he told Roman,
He ain’t the guy, dude, you’re just A guy. A guy trying so desperately to fill shoes that you never will.
you could feel the real-life tension.
While championship gold eluded him in 2017, Cena’s willingness to put over newer stars like Shinsuke Nakamura clean showed his commitment to WWE’s future, even as his own full-time career was winding down.
13. 2015 – United States Champion
Key Moments: US Open Challenge, feud with Kevin Owens, breaking his nose against Seth Rollins
Championships: United States Championship
Just when fans thought they’d seen everything John Cena could offer, 2015 proved he still had plenty of tricks up his sleeve. After years in the world title picture, Cena’s run with the United States Championship breathed new life into both the midcard title and his own character.
His weekly open challenge series delivered television classics on a regular basis, with Cena showing a willingness to adapt his style to different opponents. Whether he was wrestling Sami Zayn, Cesaro, or Stardust, Cena brought his working boots every single time, producing some of the best in-ring work of his career.
His trilogy with NXT call-up Kevin Owens deserves special mention – their Elimination Chamber match featured Owens cleanly pinning Cena in the middle of the ring, a shocking result that instantly established Owens as a major player.
Then there was the infamous match with Seth Rollins, where Cena’s nose was legitimately shattered by his opponent’s knee. But he somehow finished the match anyway, blood pouring down his face in a display of grit that even his harshest critics had to respect.
What made 2015 special was seeing Cena, now in his late 30s and with nothing left to prove, working harder than ever to elevate both the United States Championship and his opponents. The “Cena sucks” chants were still there but increasingly mixed with genuine appreciation for his contributions to WWE’s weekly product.
12. 2004 – First taste of gold
Key Moments: Winning his first championship, United States title feud with Big Show
Championships: United States Championship
Now we’re getting to the good stuff! 2004 was the year John Cena transformed from a promising talent to a legitimate WWE star. His United States Championship victory at WrestleMania XX against Big Show represented a pivotal moment in his career – his first taste of gold and the beginning of his ascent up the WWE hierarchy.
The sight of Cena hoisting Big Show for the FU (before it was renamed the Attitude Adjustment) became one of the defining images of his early career, showcasing both his impressive strength and connection with the Madison Square Garden crowd.
This was peak “Doctor of Thuganomics” era Cena – spinning championship belt, throwback jerseys, pump-up Reeboks, and freestyle raps that had fans hanging on every word.
His charisma was off the charts as he verbally eviscerated opponents before matches, with his pre-match raps becoming must-see TV. Even his entrance theme, which Cena performed by himself, became a fan favorite.
Behind the scenes, WWE was beginning to see Cena as a potential face of the company, giving him longer promo segments and positioning him against established stars like Booker T and the aforementioned Big Show.
While still primarily a SmackDown performer, Cena’s popularity was beginning to transcend brand divisions. The foundations were being laid for his main event push, with fans increasingly behind the trash-talking, chain-wearing antihero who was connecting with audiences in a way few had since the Attitude Era.
11. 2014 – The authority’s nemesis
Key Moments: Feud with Bray Wyatt, battling The Authority, SummerSlam squash by Brock Lesnar
Championships: WWE World Heavyweight Championship
If you were looking for the year that best captures the complete John Cena experience – the highs, the lows, the love, the hate – 2014 might just be it. His creative feud with Bray Wyatt showcased Cena’s storytelling abilities, with their WrestleMania XXX match exploring whether Cena would embrace his darker impulses to defeat the cult leader.
Their Last Man Standing match at Payback was an underrated classic that demonstrated Cena’s often-overlooked hardcore match capabilities. As the year progressed, Cena found himself positioned as the resistance leader against The Authority, eventually capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Money in the Bank after Daniel Bryan was forced to vacate due to injury.
And then SummerSlam happened. In what might be the most shocking championship match of the modern era, Brock Lesnar absolutely dismantled Cena, delivering 16 German suplexes in a one-sided beatdown that left fans stunned.
The sight of WWE’s seemingly indestructible hero being tossed around like a rag doll exposed vulnerability rarely seen in the Superman-like character. This was also the year “Super Cena” criticism peaked among hardcore fans, with the predictability of his comebacks and perceived lack of character evolution frustrating many.
Yet despite the polarization, Cena’s merchandise continued flying off shelves, and arenas remained divided with dueling chants whenever his music hit. For better or worse, John Cena was still the most talked-about wrestler in the company.
10. 2016 – The phenomenal rivalry
Key Moments: AJ Styles feud, returning from injury at WrestleMania 32
Championships: None
When AJ Styles‘ music hit at the 2016 Royal Rumble, few could have predicted the incredible chemistry he would develop with John Cena. Their rivalry produced some of the finest in-ring work of Cena’s entire career.
Their SummerSlam match was an absolute clinic, with near-falls that sent fans on the edge of their seats and a clean victory for Styles that shocked the WWE Universe. But they weren’t done – their Royal Rumble 2017 rematch somehow managed to surpass even that high standard, with many critics awarding it five stars.
In these matches, Cena showed a technical prowess and ring psychology that silenced even his harshest critics. While he didn’t win any championships in 2016, this was the year that cemented Cena’s reputation as a big-match performer who could deliver when the lights were brightest.
His return from a shoulder injury at WrestleMania 32 provided a genuine surprise moment that generated one of the loudest pops of the night.
By this point in his career, Cena had found a comfortable balance between his WWE commitments and growing Hollywood career, with each appearance feeling special. It also could be said that many fans who once despised Cena now point to 2016 as the year they finally appreciated what he brought to the table.
9. 2006 – The Marine and more
Key Moments: DX feud, main eventing WrestleMania 22, Hollywood debut in The Marine
Championships: WWE Championship
By 2006, John Cena had fully settled into his role as WWE’s franchise player, though not without significant growing pains. His WrestleMania 22 main event against Triple H featured one of the most hostile crowds in WrestleMania history, with Chicago fans vehemently booing the supposed hero and cheering the villain.
This event cemented the “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” dueling chants that would follow him for years. Rather than panic at this reaction, WWE leaned into it, with Cena acknowledging the mixed response in promos while maintaining his never-give-up character.
His subsequent feuds with Edge and Rob Van Dam showed his ability to work with different styles, while his program with the reformed DX (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) highlighted his growing comfort level as the company’s top star.
2006 also marked Cena’s legitimate Hollywood debut in The Marine, a WWE Studios production that, while not exactly Oscar-worthy, demonstrated WWE’s belief in Cena as a crossover star with mainstream appeal.
Behind the scenes, Cena was establishing himself as WWE’s most reliable ambassador, with an unprecedented commitment to Make-A-Wish appearances and media obligations. The polarization among fans was intensifying, but so was his box office drawing power – a paradox that would define much of his career.
8. 2013 – The path to Championship #15
Key Moments: Double WWE Championship win at Money in the Bank, 5-star match with CM Punk on Raw
Championships: WWE Championship (2 times)
If you need evidence of John Cena’s in-ring capabilities, look no further than 2013. His February match with CM Punk on Raw is widely considered one of the greatest TV matches in WWE history, with many critics awarding it five stars.
This wasn’t just a great Cena match – it was a great match, period, showcasing his often-underrated technical abilities and storytelling. His feud with The Rock culminated at WrestleMania 29 in a Twice in a Lifetime match where Cena avenged his previous year’s loss, recapturing the WWE Championship in a passing-of-the-torch moment with the Attitude Era’s biggest star.
His Money in the Bank victory over Mark Henry and subsequent SummerSlam defeat to Daniel Bryan (followed by a Randy Orton cash-in) kept the WWE Championship picture exciting throughout the summer.
By 2013, Cena had mastered the art of working with different opponent styles, whether it was the technical brilliance of CM Punk, the power game of Mark Henry, or the speed and technique of Daniel Bryan.
His two WWE Championship victories during the year pushed him to 15 total world title reigns, just one shy of Ric Flair‘s record. While the “Super Cena” criticism hadn’t completely disappeared, it had notably diminished as fans increasingly appreciated his reliability and work ethic.
At this point in his career, even with Hollywood beginning to call, Cena remained fully committed to WWE, working a full-time schedule and carrying the company on his shoulders as its most recognized star.
7. 2012 – Once in a Lifetime
Key Moments: Once in a Lifetime match with The Rock at WrestleMania 28, feud with Brock Lesnar
Championships: None
Sometimes, a single match can define a year. And for Cena, it was all about his Once in a Lifetime collision in 2012 with The Rock at WrestleMania 28. This dream match was a genuine cultural phenomenon, drawing mainstream attention and record pay-per-view buys.
The year-long build featured some of Cena’s most passionate promo work as he positioned himself as the everyday worker, which contrasted with Rock’s Hollywood success – ironically foreshadowing Cena’s own future part-time status.
When Rock pinned Cena in Miami, it was a legitimate shock to fans accustomed to Cena overcoming the odds. Then came another shocker – Brock Lesnar‘s return the night after WrestleMania. Their Extreme Rules match stands as one of Cena’s most physically intense performances, with Lesnar legitimately busting him open within minutes.
The sight of Cena, bloody but unbowed, somehow pulling out a victory, established the template for their years-long rivalry. Though Cena didn’t capture championship gold in 2012, his feuds with Rock, Lesnar, and later CM Punk during the latter’s historic title reign kept him firmly in the main event picture.
By this point, Cena had fully embraced his polarizing status, often acknowledging in promos the mixed reactions he received. His character showed subtle evolution throughout the year, with hints of frustration and self-doubt creeping in after his losses to Rock and Punk – humanizing elements that added depth to the often one-dimensional superhero persona.
6. 2011 – The Summer of Punk
Key Moments: CM Punk rivalry, Rock’s return, “Never Give Up” solidified
Championships: WWE Championship
The Summer of Punk produced some of the most compelling television in modern WWE history, with Cena playing the crucial role of establishment figure opposite CM Punk’s anti-authority rebel. Their Money in the Bank match in Chicago remains legendary – a perfect storm of incredible in-ring action, white-hot crowd reaction, and brilliant storytelling.
Cena’s acting during the final moments, where he stopped Vince McMahon from screwing Punk out of the title (echoing the Montreal Screwjob), showed surprising nuance from a performer often criticized for one-dimensional character work.
This year also saw The Rock’s return to confront Cena, setting up their Once in a Lifetime match and providing some of the most entertaining verbal exchanges in recent memory. Cena’s ability to go toe-to-toe with Rock on the microphone surprised many who had dismissed his promo abilities.
Throughout 2011, Cena’s “Never Give Up” mantra became more than just a slogan on wristbands – it was a fully realized character ethos that resonated deeply with younger fans while simultaneously frustrating older audiences who craved character evolution.
His later feud with Alberto Del Rio showcased Cena’s underrated ability to make his opponents look like legitimate threats, regardless of their position on the card.
By year’s end, the polarization among fans had reached new heights, with arena crowds split almost 50/50 between cheers and jeers – a fascinating dynamic unlike anything seen with previous top stars like Hogan, Austin, or Rock.
5. 2007 – Overcoming the odds
Key Moments: Royal Rumble win, WrestleMania 23 main event with Shawn Michaels, injury comeback
Championships: WWE Championship
If there’s one year that perfectly encapsulates John Cena’s “Never Give Up” ethos, it’s 2007. His surprise Royal Rumble win as entrant #30 kicked off a stellar year that included a classic with Shawn Michaels on Raw that went nearly an hour – a marathon performance that showcased Cena’s endurance and adaptability.
Their WrestleMania 23 main event once again delivered, proving that Cena could hang with one of WWE’s greatest in-ring performers. But the defining moment came in October when Cena suffered a potentially career-threatening pectoral tear that should have sidelined him for at least eight months.
John Cena 2007 https://t.co/j5RTtI2rqn pic.twitter.com/k4Uz8HuZns
— Wrestling Uncovered (@wrestlinuncover) May 25, 2023
In true Superman fashion, Cena defied medical odds by returning at the Royal Rumble just three months later, generating one of the loudest pops in WWE history. This inhuman recovery time cemented his larger-than-life status and perfectly aligned with his character’s refusal to give up.
Behind the scenes, Cena established himself as WWE’s most valuable corporate asset, with an unprecedented commitment to Make-A-Wish appearances and media obligations.
By 2007, the “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” dynamic had become an integral part of WWE’s presentation, with Cena acknowledging the divide in his promos while remaining steadfastly heroic in his actions.
His feuds with Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, and Umaga showcased his versatility against different opponent styles. At the same time, his championship reign continued to establish him as the undisputed face of the company.
4. 2010 – The Nexus invasion
Key Moments: Leading WWE against The Nexus, feud with Bautista
Championships: WWE Championship
When The Nexus stormed the ring and destroyed everything in sight during their shocking debut, it was clear that WWE needed a leader to stand against this invading force. John Cena naturally stepped into that role, leading a coalition of WWE superstars against Wade Barrett’s rookie faction in a storyline that dominated much of 2010.
The SummerSlam elimination match pitting Team WWE against The Nexus remains controversial (with many feeling Cena shouldn’t have overcome a 2-on-1 disadvantage in the finish). But it undeniably positioned him as the company’s standard-bearer in crisis.
His I Quit match against Dave Bautista showcased Cena’s overlooked ability to work a more brutal, physical style when the story called for it. The sight of Cena hoisting Bautista on his shoulders atop a car before delivering an Attitude Adjustment through the vehicle became one of the year’s most memorable images.
His subsequent feud with Sheamus demonstrated his versatility, working with the power-based Celtic Warrior to deliver compelling matches that helped establish the relative newcomer.
Behind the scenes, his reputation as WWE’s hardest worker was solidified, with an unmatched schedule of media appearances, charity work, and live events. His merchandise continued to break company records, particularly among younger fans, even as sections of the audience vocally rejected his superhero persona.
3. 2009 – Breaking records
Key Moments: Ending Randy Orton’s reign of terror, 60-minute Iron Man match with Shawn Michaels
Championships: WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, Tag Team Championships
While some criticize Cena’s in-ring abilities, 2009 provided plenty of evidence to the contrary. His 60-minute Iron Man match with Shawn Michaels on Raw was a technical masterpiece that showcased his stamina, psychology, and versatility.
It was also the year Cena finally conquered his greatest rival, Randy Orton, in their definitive Hell in a Cell match, ending Orton’s months-long reign of terror. The victory was cathartic for fans who had watched Orton torment Cena both physically and psychologically throughout the year.
What made 2009 special was Cena’s championship versatility – not only did he hold both major world titles (WWE and World Heavyweight Championships), but he added tag team gold to his resume alongside Shawn Michaels, showcasing a different side of his in-ring abilities.
His Breakout challenge against Bragging Rights also demonstrated his willingness to work with younger talent like The Miz and Jack Swagger. By this point in his career, Cena had mastered the art of working different match styles – technical classics with Michaels, hardcore brawls with Orton, and power-based contests with The Big Show.
While fans remained polarized, Cena’s work rate was becoming increasingly difficult to criticize, with multiple Match of the Year contenders under his belt.
2. 2008 – Battling through adversity
Key Moments: Royal Rumble return, feuds with JBL and Chris Jericho
Championships: World Heavyweight Championship
Remember that pectoral tear that should have kept Cena sidelined for nine months? Well, he returned after just three months at the 2008 Royal Rumble, generating one of the loudest pops in WWE history. The Madison Square Garden crowd – typically hostile toward Cena – erupted when his theme music played at number 30, creating a genuinely magical moment that transcended the usual fan polarization.
His subsequent programs with JBL and Chris Jericho demonstrated Cena’s ability to work with both power-based and technical opponents. Around the same time, his first World Heavyweight Championship victory expanded his legacy beyond the WWE Championship scene.
What made 2008 special was seeing Cena overcome legitimate adversity – returning from an injury that should have ended his year before proving the doubters wrong with stellar performances. His Unforgiven win over World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho just ten minutes after Jericho had won the title in a Championship Scramble match stunned fans and cemented Cena’s reputation for creating memorable moments.
Behind the scenes, his star power was reaching new heights with increasing mainstream recognition, movie roles, and unprecedented merchandise sales crucial to WWE’s business during the transition to PG programming.
1. 2005 – The year of the champ
Key Moments: First WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 21, draft to Raw, defining feuds with Eric Bischoff, Chris Jericho, and Kurt Angle
Championships: WWE Championship
Could it really be anything else? 2005 was the definitive year in John Cena’s career – the moment when a promising talent transformed into a genuine superstar. His first WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 21 against JBL wasn’t just a title win; it was the coronation of WWE’s next franchise player. The sight of Cena hoisting that spinner belt (which he debuted shortly after) became the defining image of a new era in WWE.
John Cena + Spinner Belt appreciation post 😌 pic.twitter.com/Sbwj2Ydqq0
— 𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖘™ (@WhatsTheStatus) October 5, 2022
When the draft moved Cena to Raw, it was clear WWE was all-in on him as the face of the company. His arrival on Monday nights immediately thrust him into high-profile feuds with established stars like Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle, both of whom helped legitimize Cena as a main-event performer. That Angle feud, in particular, pushed Cena to improve his in-ring work, resulting in some of his most technically sound matches to date.
Behind the scenes, 2005 was when Cena fully embraced his role as WWE’s public face, increasing his already impressive charity work and media appearances. The foundation was laid for what would become the most prolific Make-A-Wish relationship in history. His connection with younger fans was undeniable, with merchandise flying off shelves at a record pace.
What made 2005 so special was watching someone seize their moment with both hands. Cena didn’t just become WWE Champion; he transcended wrestling to become a mainstream entertainment icon. His rap album You Can’t See Me even charted on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 15 – not bad for a wrestler!
Conclusion: The legacy of hustle, loyalty, and respect
As John Cena prepares for his 2025 farewell tour, it’s honestly hard to imagine WWE without him. For an entire generation of fans, Cena wasn’t just a wrestler – he was wrestling.
Let’s be real – no performer in modern WWE history has been more polarizing. Yet somehow, through it all, Cena never wavered from his core values of hustle, loyalty, and respect. That commitment to character might be frustrating to some hardcore fans, but it’s also admirable in its consistency.
John Cena Appreciation Post 🌟 with his retirement tour underway I thought I’d take this time to show appreciation for our 16 time Champ 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IL0QwLbb0t
— 🏳️🌈 Charlie 🏳️⚧️ (@wrestlingpics07) February 27, 2025
Beyond the championships and catchphrases, Cena’s legacy is defined by his unprecedented commitment to Make-A-Wish, granting over 650 wishes – more than any person in the organization’s history. For all the criticism of his Superman booking and five moves of doom, it’s hard to argue with the impact those simple gestures had on children facing life-threatening conditions.
As Hollywood continues to embrace him in bigger roles, it’s easy to draw parallels to The Rock’s trajectory. But where Rock largely left WWE behind, Cena has consistently returned, putting over younger talent and contributing to storylines even as his star rises in mainstream entertainment. His 2025 farewell tour won’t be a goodbye so much as a transition to the next phase of his relationship with WWE.
From spinning championship belts to “You Can’t See Me” memes, John Cena has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling and pop culture. Love him or hate him – and millions have done both, often simultaneously – his 23-year journey with WWE represents one of the most successful and impactful careers in the company’s history.
So, as we prepare to watch Big Match John take his final bows in WWE rings around the world, it seems appropriate to acknowledge what many of us once refused to: we could see him all along, and wrestling was better for it. What was your favorite John Cena moment? Let us know in the comments below!
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