As John Cena’s legendary WWE career enters its twilight, the 16-time world champion recently took a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on some of his most memorable matches in a YouTube video released by WWE. With a career spanning over two decades, Cena handpicked his favorite battles that left a mark on both him and the WWE Universe.
The journey through Cena’s iconic bouts began with his Extreme Rules Match against Brock Lesnar at the 2012 Extreme Rules premium live event. This contest held tremendous significance as Cena was seeking redemption following a loss to The Rock at WrestleMania 28. Meanwhile, Lesnar had returned to WWE after a lengthy absence. Cena ultimately triumphed in a brutal encounter, hitting an Attitude Adjustment on a bloodied Lesnar atop steel steps.
In the video, Cena expressed his admiration for Lesnar, both as a performer and as a person. He described Lesnar as underrated, even though he’s often mentioned in conversations about the greatest wrestlers of all time. Cena praised Lesnar’s authenticity and straightforwardness.
The next match Cena selected was his Last Man Standing Match against Batista from the 2010 Extreme Rules premium live event. Cena acknowledged the brutality of the match and the extreme efforts both he and Batista put into it. He specifically mentioned the concluding moment when he duct-taped Batista’s legs to the ring post to secure the victory. While appreciating the creative thinking behind the spot, Cena humorously noted that it could have gone smoother from his end.
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Cena’s list continued with his Iron Man Match against Randy Orton at the 2009 Bragging Rights premium live event. He praised the creative elements of the match, particularly a moment where Orton triggered pyrotechnics to gain a 4-3 lead. Ultimately, Cena emerged victorious, locking in the STF with just five seconds remaining.
The fourth match Cena chose was his Last Man Standing bout against Bray Wyatt at the 2014 Payback premium live event, the third chapter in their intense rivalry. Cena secured the win by placing a large production box on top of Wyatt, making it impossible for him to rise before the ten-count. Cena appreciated his collaboration with Wyatt, citing their shared love for storytelling and embracing creativity.
Additional matches in Cena’s list included his United States Championship contest against Kevin Owens at Battleground 2015, a clash against Shawn Michaels on a 2007 episode of “WWE Raw,” and his classic encounter with AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2017. Cena singled out the bout against Styles, emphasizing the fond memories it brought him, as well as the joy that comes from a well-executed plan that leaves everyone involved satisfied.
Stephen’s Perspective:
John Cena’s retrospective on his classic matches provides a unique glimpse into the mind of a WWE legend. His reflections offer fans and aspiring wrestlers an invaluable insight into the art of professional wrestling. Beyond the scripted storylines and choreographed moves, Cena’s perspective sheds light on the strategy, psychology, and improvisation that go into creating these iconic moments in the ring.
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It’s a testament to his deep understanding of the craft and the years of dedication that have made him one of the most revered figures in the wrestling world. Cena’s ability to connect with the audience and deliver memorable matches underscores the fact that wrestling is not just about scripted drama but also about the passion, creativity, and dedication of the performers who make these moments possible.
This retrospective not only celebrates the rich history of WWE but also demonstrates the lasting impact of these matches on both the wrestling industry and its fans.
Cena’s willingness to revisit these moments and share his thoughts allows the WWE Universe to relive these classics and appreciate the artistry and storytelling that have defined his career.
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It’s a reminder that the legacy of wrestling is built on the foundation of incredible talent and unforgettable performances, and Cena’s journey serves as an inspiration for future generations of wrestlers looking to make their mark in the squared circle.
