Ranking 10 Best John Cena Matches in WWE
For over two decades, few superstars have defined WWE as profoundly as John Cena. A polarizing figure who became the undisputed face of an era, his mantra of “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” propelled him to a record-tying 17 world championships and a permanent place in wrestling history.
And today we’re gonna be ranking his top 10 matches not merely by victories, but by the sheer quality of the contest itself. From technical masterpieces to brutal brawls, these are the fights that showcased his resilience, storytelling ability, and undeniable chemistry with his opponents, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest big-match performers of all time.
John Cena vs Logan Paul
Clash Of Paris 2025
- Cagematch.net Rating: 7.54
As John Cena embarked on his final European farewell tour in the summer of 2025, his marquee match was set for Clash in Paris against the ultimate antagonist: Logan Paul. The social media megastar, who had seamlessly transitioned into a WWE powerhouse, aimed to solidify his own legacy by retiring a legend. In the weeks leading up to the event, Paul relentlessly mocked Cena online as a “dinosaur” and a hero of a bygone era, positioning himself as the future. For Cena, the match became a battle to defend the honor of professional wrestling against the flash of internet celebrity culture, a final stand for “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.”
The bout in Paris was a masterclass in storytelling, pitting Paul’s explosive athleticism against Cena’s veteran savvy. Paul dominated early, using his agility and power to overwhelm the legend, at one point arrogantly stopping to take a selfie with a downed Cena. But Cena weathered the storm, absorbing the punishment and using his unparalleled ring awareness to wear his younger opponent down. The turning point came when Cena countered Paul’s attempt to use his signature brass knuckles, hoisting the influencer onto his shoulders for a thunderous Attitude Adjustment that sent the crowd into a frenzy, securing an emotional victory on his farewell tour.
John Cena Vs The Rock
Wrestlemania 28
- Cagematch.net Rating: 7.76
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 3.75
Billed as “Once in a Lifetime,” the match was built on an unprecedented year-long foundation of anticipation. After returning to WWE, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, now a global movie star, took aim at the undisputed face of the company, John Cena. The conflict was deeply personal and philosophical: The Rock, a hero of the edgy Attitude Era, accused Cena of being a stale, corporate-friendly character who the fans were tired of. Cena, in turn, represented unwavering dedication, firing back that The Rock had abandoned the WWE Universe for the glamour of Hollywood and had no right to criticize the man who had carried the company on his back for a decade. It was a clash of generations, icons, and ideologies, creating one of the most anticipated main events in WrestleMania history.
The atmosphere inside Miami’s Sun Life Stadium was electric, with the hometown crowd overwhelmingly in favor of The Rock. The match itself was a blockbuster spectacle, a deliberate and hard-hitting affair where both men traded their biggest signature moves. It was a true back-and-forth battle, with each superstar kicking out of the other’s finisher, making the outcome feel genuinely unpredictable. The storytelling within the ring was superb, but the climax was a direct result of hubris. After a grueling contest, a confident Cena decided to mock his opponent by attempting The Rock’s own signature taunt, the People’s Elbow. This moment of arrogance gave The Rock the perfect opening to spring to his feet and deliver a final, decisive Rock Bottom, securing a shocking and historic victory over his rival.
John Cena vs Brock Lesnar
Extreme Rules 2012
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.77
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.5
On the night after his devastating loss to The Rock at WrestleMania 28, a vulnerable John Cena was confronted by the shocking return of Brock Lesnar. After an eight-year absence where he became a legitimate UFC Heavyweight Champion, Lesnar returned not as an entertainer, but as a mercenary bent on bringing “legitimacy” back to WWE by destroying its top star. The build-up was defined by sheer violence rather than words, establishing Lesnar as an authentic and terrifying predator. The story was simple and primal: could WWE’s ultimate hero survive a real-life beast in an environment with no rules?
The contest was pure carnage from the opening second. Lesnar immediately took Cena down with an MMA-style takedown, busting him open with vicious elbow strikes that left him bloodied. What followed was less of a wrestling match and more of a brutal, one-sided beatdown. Lesnar dominated with a terrifyingly realistic offense, using ground-and-pound attacks and bone-jarring suplexes that felt completely different from anything else in WWE at the time. The story became about Cena’s incredible ability to absorb punishment. In a dramatic and shocking climax, a battered Cena wrapped his fist in a steel chain, striking Lesnar and hitting an Attitude Adjustment onto the steel steps for the improbable win, embodying his “Never Give Up” mantra in the most visceral way imaginable.
John Cena vs Edge
Unforgiven 2006
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.89
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.25
The rivalry between John Cena and Edge was the defining feud of 2006, built on deep personal animosity. Edge, the villainous “Rated-R Superstar,” had tormented Cena for months, stealing his WWE Championship via the first-ever Money in the Bank cash-in and even slapping Cena’s father at ringside. The stakes for this encounter were monumental: the match was set in Edge’s hometown of Toronto, it was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match—Edge’s signature environment where he was undefeated—and if Cena lost, he would be forced to leave Monday Night RAW. It was the ultimate “back against the wall” scenario, forcing Cena to enter the champion’s home turf to fight in his specialty match for his title and his career on the brand.
The match was a masterpiece of organized chaos and brutality, perfectly capping off their violent feud. Both men used the ladders, tables, and chairs to inflict incredible punishment, creating a spectacle of high-risk maneuvers and dramatic near-finishes. The Toronto crowd was fiercely behind their hometown hero, booing Cena relentlessly and adding to the intense atmosphere. The climax is one of the most iconic moments in WWE history: with both men fighting atop a 16-foot ladder, Cena managed to lift Edge onto his shoulders and deliver a catastrophic FU (Attitude Adjustment), sending him crashing through two stacked tables below. It was a stunning and definitive victory that silenced the hostile crowd and solidified Cena’s legacy as a main-event player who could overcome any odds.
John Cena vs. JBL
Judgment Day 2005
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.06
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.25
After winning his very first WWE Championship from John “Bradshaw” Layfield at WrestleMania 21, John Cena was immediately plunged into a brutal feud to legitimize his reign. The arrogant JBL, a self-proclaimed “Wrestling God” who had held the title for 280 days, refused to accept Cena as the new face of the company. He stole Cena’s custom spinner championship belt and declared him an unworthy champion. To settle the score, JBL challenged Cena to an “I Quit” match, a sadistic stipulation designed to inflict so much pain that an opponent verbally surrenders. The narrative was clear: could the new, unproven champion survive the former champion’s most savage environment and prove he had the toughness to lead WWE into a new era?
The match was an absolute bloodbath and a defining moment in establishing John Cena’s grit. Forgoing technical wrestling, it was a savage brawl that spilled all over the arena. JBL dominated much of the contest, brutalizing Cena and leaving him a crimson mask of his own blood. The enduring image of the match is of a gore-covered Cena, barely able to stand, screaming “No!” into a microphone as JBL demanded he surrender. After absorbing an incredible amount of punishment, Cena mounted a comeback, culminating in one of the feud’s most memorable moments. He cornered a terrified JBL on the entrance stage and threatened him with a large exhaust pipe from a truck. Before Cena could swing, JBL screamed “I Quit!” to save himself. Cena hit him with the pipe anyway, emphatically ending the war and cementing his status as a champion who would never give up.
John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan
SummerSlam 2013
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.28
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.5
As WWE Champion, John Cena was granted the privilege of choosing his own opponent for SummerSlam. Defying the wishes of WWE management, who saw Daniel Bryan as a “B+ Player,” Cena listened to the deafening chants of the audience and selected the beloved underdog as his challenger. The narrative became a battle of respect versus corporate interest; while Cena publicly endorsed Bryan as a worthy successor, WWE’s top brass, including Vince McMahon and Triple H, openly disparaged him. To ensure “fairness,” Triple H was appointed the special guest referee, adding a layer of corporate intrigue to Bryan’s ultimate test: to prove he truly belonged in the main event.
The contest was a pure wrestling masterpiece, diverging from the typical brawling style of a Cena main event. It was a classic display of power versus technique, with Cena’s strength-based offense clashing with Bryan’s incredible speed, submission skill, and striking ability. Bryan pushed Cena to his absolute limit in a stunningly athletic and competitive bout. In a career-defining moment, Bryan unveiled a devastating new finishing move—the Running Knee—which connected flush and knocked Cena out cold. Bryan secured a completely clean, undisputed pinfall victory to become the new WWE Champion, a shocking and cathartic moment for the fans. Though the celebration was cut short by Triple H’s betrayal and Randy Orton’s Money in the Bank cash-in, the match itself stands as one of the greatest in SummerSlam history.
John Cena vs Shawn Michaels
RAW (April 23, 2007)
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.96
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.25
Just three weeks after their blockbuster WWE Championship main event at WrestleMania 23, where John Cena emerged victorious, this non-title rematch was announced for a special episode of RAW in London, England. With no championship on the line, the stakes were purely about professional pride. Shawn Michaels, the veteran “Mr. WrestleMania,” was seeking redemption for his submission loss on the grandest stage, while Cena aimed to prove his victory was definitive. Set in front of a famously passionate European crowd, the match was presented not as a storyline-heavy brawl, but as a pure wrestling exhibition between the company’s reigning champion and arguably the greatest in-ring performer of all time.
What unfolded was a spectacular, commercial-free epic that lasted nearly a full hour—a rarity for weekly television that allowed both men to create a masterpiece. Freed from the constraints of a pay-per-view main event, they delivered a technical clinic filled with brilliant pacing, intricate counters, and incredible storytelling. The match was a marathon of endurance that saw both men dig deep into their arsenals, with the London crowd captivated by every near-fall. In a shocking and decisive conclusion to the marathon bout, Michaels ducked under a fatigued Cena and connected with a final, perfectly timed Sweet Chin Music. He pinned the dominant WWE Champion completely clean, earning his redemption in a contest that is widely considered not only better than their WrestleMania match but one of the greatest fights in the history of Monday Night RAW.
John Cena vs CM Punk
RAW (February 25, 2013)
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.35
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.5
The Road to WrestleMania 29 was set for a colossal rematch between John Cena, the 2013 Royal Rumble winner, and the reigning WWE Champion, The Rock. However, CM Punk, who had just ended his historic 434-day title reign at the hands of The Rock, vehemently disputed Cena’s claim. Arguing that he was the rightful top contender, Punk demanded one last shot to reclaim his spot in the main event. With the WrestleMania main event hanging in the balance, a match was made: John Cena vs. CM Punk, with the winner earning the undisputed right to challenge for the WWE Championship. It was the climactic chapter of their legendary rivalry, with the biggest prize in the industry on the line.
In what is widely considered another one of the greatest matches in RAW history, the two rivals delivered a pay-per-view quality classic. The bout was a breathtaking showcase of their incredible chemistry, filled with dramatic reversals, believable near-falls, and a palpable sense of desperation from both men. The most shocking moment came when Punk, in a move that stunned the audience, successfully hit Cena with a Piledriver—a maneuver that had been effectively banned in WWE for years—resulting in a heart-stopping near-fall. After trading every signature move in their arsenals, Cena finally put Punk away with a thunderous, second Attitude Adjustment to secure his hard-earned place at WrestleMania, closing the book on their epic feud in spectacular fashion.
John Cena vs AJ Styles
Royal Rumble 2017
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.14
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 4.75
This was the climactic third act of the epic rivalry between John Cena and AJ Styles. Having already been defeated cleanly by Styles at SummerSlam, Cena returned with a singular focus: to capture the WWE Championship from the man who had firmly established himself as “The Champ that Runs the Camp.” The narrative was elevated by a massive historical implication—a victory for Cena would be his 16th world championship, allowing him to finally tie Ric Flair’s legendary, long-standing record. The story was about more than just a title; for Cena, it was about redemption and cementing his legacy, while for Styles, it was about proving his reign and his previous victories were no fluke, but a definitive passing of the torch.
In what many consider the best match of their trilogy, the two superstars delivered a breathtaking, high-octane classic. The entire bout was contested at a frenetic pace, built around an incredible series of dramatic finisher reversals and unbelievable near-falls. Both men threw every signature move they had, with Styles hitting the Styles Clash and Phenomenal Forearm, and Cena connecting on multiple Attitude Adjustments, including one from the top rope, only for his opponent to miraculously kick out. Realizing it would take an extraordinary effort, Cena created a legendary finish: he caught Styles, hit an Attitude Adjustment, immediately rolled through while holding onto him, and delivered a second consecutive Attitude Adjustment to finally secure the pinfall, capturing the WWE Championship and his historic 16th world title.
John Cena vs CM Punk
Money in the Bank 2011
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.62
- Dave Meltzer Star Ratings: 5.0
The build to this match is legendary, sparked by CM Punk’s reality-bending “Pipe Bomb” promo. With his WWE contract legitimately set to expire the night of the pay-per-view, Punk threatened to do the unthinkable: defeat John Cena for the WWE Championship and leave the company with its most prized possession. He became the “Voice of the Voiceless,” airing his real-life frustrations with the corporate machine, personified by his opponent, John Cena. With the stakes raised by a desperate Vince McMahon who threatened to fire Cena if he lost, the match, held in Punk’s feverishly supportive hometown of Chicago, became a perfect storm of fiction and reality, with the entire future of the WWE Championship hanging in the balance.
The atmosphere in Chicago was one of the most electric in wrestling history, with the crowd’s deafening roar serving as the soundtrack to a modern masterpiece. The match was a 30-minute, 5-star classic that showcased the flawless chemistry between the two rivals. It was a dramatic, back-and-forth epic filled with brilliant technical wrestling and heart-stopping near-falls. The finish was pure chaos: as Vince McMahon attempted to orchestrate a screwjob finish, Cena stopped him, refusing to win dishonorably. That momentary act of integrity cost him dearly, as he walked straight into a Go To Sleep from Punk. CM Punk pinned John Cena, and as McMahon desperately tried to have him stopped, he blew a kiss goodbye and escaped through the ecstatic Chicago crowd, disappearing into legend with the WWE Championship in his hands.
And that’s our list of John Cena’s greatest matches. These battles showcase the moments that made him a legend.
Now, we want to hear from you. What did you think of our rankings? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!