Ranking John Cena’s 10 Greatest Matches in His WWE Career
John Cena spent more than 20 years at the center of WWE, and very few performers stayed relevant for that long without evolving. Early resistance from fans slowly gave way to respect as match after match proved he could hold his own against anyone, anywhere. Championships mattered, but rivalries mattered more. These 10 matches capture the moments when the talk stopped, the crowd leaned in, and Cena delivered performances that still get replayed years later.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton
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Their rivalry dominated WWE for years, and the “I Quit” match at “Breaking Point 2009” stands as its peak. The bout leaned fully into their shared history, with Orton handcuffing Cena to the ropes and punishing him with kendo sticks. Cena survived long enough to lock in an STF while still restrained, which forced Orton to quit. The finish became one of the defining images of their feud and reinforced why WWE trusted both men in the main event.
John Cena vs. JBL
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As JBL targeted Cena relentlessly, leaving the champion visibly bleeding before Cena forced a submission, the fight itself showed WWE’s willingness to portray him as vulnerable while still unstoppable. This “I Quit” match at “Judgment Day 2005” helped establish Cena as the face of the company. The bout ran about 22 minutes and became one of the bloodiest matches of the modern era.
John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan
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At “SummerSlam 2013,” the WWE Championship main event doubled as a turning point for Daniel Bryan. Cena wrestled the match with a torn triceps and still worked a balanced, competitive contest. Bryan won clean with a running knee and accelerated his rise, while the 17-time world champion raised his hand afterward.
John Cena vs. Edge
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The TLC match at “Unforgiven 2006” took place in Edge’s hometown of Toronto. Cena entered a stipulation that favored his opponent and still controlled the chaos. The finish came after an Attitude Adjustment from the top of a ladder sent Edge crashing through tables. Cena regained the WWE Championship and ended one of the most heated rivalries of his career.
John Cena vs. The Rock
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“WrestleMania 28” carried a year-long build and global attention. The match leaned into spectacle and crowd reaction rather than speed. Cena lost after mocking the People’s Elbow and walking into a Rock Bottom. The image of him sitting on the ramp afterward became part of WrestleMania lore and set up their rematch the following year.
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
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This bout blurred the line between fight and wrestling in a way few matches had before it. The “Extreme Rules 2012” match was different from anything WWE was presenting at the time. Lesnar returned to UFC with a violent, grounded style that immediately changed the tone. Cena absorbed punishment and used chains, surviving an onslaught before winning.
John Cena vs. AJ Styles
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The “Royal Rumble 2017” title match never left the ring, relying solely on pure pacing and anticipation. Styles entered as champion while Cena chased world title number 16. The “Peacemaker” star kicked out of multiple big moves and even pulled out rare technical counters. Four Attitude Adjustments later, the record was tied, and both men openly praised the match afterward.
John Cena vs. CM Punk
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The February 25, 2013, episode of “Raw” delivered a 27-minute main event with a WrestleMania title shot on the line. Punk used a piledriver, which was banned at the time, and Cena surprised everyone with a standing Frankensteiner. The match closed their rivalry and became one of the most talked-about TV matches in WWE history.
John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
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During the April 23, 2007 episode of “Raw,” Cena and Michaels went nearly an hour in London. Michaels sold exhaustion throughout while Cena adjusted to a faster, more technical pace. Michaels won with Sweet Chin Music after countering an Attitude Adjustment. The match silenced doubts about the former rapper’s ability to hang with elite workers.
John Cena vs. CM Punk
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“Money in the Bank 2011” remains the defining match of Cena’s career. Punk entered his hometown with his contract expiring that night, and the crowd turned Cena into the villain by default. The match thrived on tension, timing, and audience emotion. Punk won with Go To Sleep and fled through the crowd.