Five of John Cena’s Most Memorable Matches of All Time

John Cena, a name synonymous with WWEhas a storied career spanning over twenty years. Known for his “Never Give Up” mantra, Cena has become a pop culture icon, extending beyond the world of professional wrestling. Over the years, Cena has been in many memorable matches that have cemented his legacy in the wrestling world. Here are five of the most unforgettable John Cena matches all the time:

1. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 23 – April 1, 2007)

WrestleMania 23 saw John Cena defend the WWE Championship against the legendary Shawn Michaels. This match is highly anticipated, as both men are at the peak of their careers. The match was a showcase of wrestling excellence, combining Cena’s power with Michaels’ technical prowess. The match went back and forth, with Cena eventually forcing Michaels to tap into the STFU, securing the victory. This match is remembered for the incredible storytelling, athleticism, and sportsmanship displayed by both competitors, making it one of the best matches of Cena’s career.

2. John Cena vs. CM Punk (Money in the Bank – July 17, 2011)

Arguably one of the greatest WWE matches of the modern era, Cena vs. CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011 was a match that will be remembered for generations. The match took place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, where the crowd got behind the challenger. Punk threatened to leave WWE with the championship, adding a real layer of drama to his path. The match was an absolute classic, with both men giving incredible performances. In the end, Punk won the WWE Championship and famously kissed Vince McMahon as he walked through the crowd. This match cemented Punk’s legacy and proved that Cena can deliver in high pressure situations.

3. John Cena vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 28 – April 1, 2012)

Billed as “Once in a Lifetime,” this match pitted two of WWE’s biggest stars. The build-up to this match has been going on for a year, and expectations are off the charts. The Rock and Cena, representing different eras of WWE, clashed in a match that was more than just a wrestling contest; it is a battle for inheritance. The match was a spectacle, with both men pulling out all the stops. The Rock ultimately emerged victorious, handing Cena a rare WrestleMania loss. The match drew a lot of attention, not only from wrestling fans but from the mainstream media, making it one of the most important matches in WWE history.

4. John Cena vs. AJ Styles (Royal Rumble – January 29, 2017)

When John Cena faced AJ Styles at the 2017 Royal Rumble, the wrestling world knew something special was in store. Previous encounters had been stellar, but this match was something else. Cena and Styles put on a wrestling clinic, with a series of near falls that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Cena ended up winning the match, tying Ric Flair’s record of 16 world championships. The match was widely praised for its high-energy pace and chemistry between the two wrestlers, solidifying John as one of Cena’s greatest in-ring performances.

5. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules – April 29, 2012)

After an eight-year hiatus from WWE, Brock Lesnar returned to the company and immediately took aim at John Cena. The two clashed at Extreme Rules 2012 in a brutal, hard-hitting match. Lesnar dominated much of the match, using his MMA background to inflict serious punishment on Cena. However, in true Cena fashion, he refused to quit and eventually got the win. The match was memorable not only for its physicality but also for how it established Lesnar as a legitimate threat while reaffirming Cena’s resilience and toughness.