“You can’t see me,” perhaps one of the most ironic slogans ever used by a professional wrestler because John Cena, in all of his glory, will go down in the WWE history books as one of the most recognizable faces and squared circle success stories.
It’s been no secret that since John’s crossover to Hollywood, he’s now a full-time actor, while wrestling is nothing more than a side gig. We can’t be sure when he’ll hang up his boots (New Balance trainers) for good. Still, in celebration of the man “we can’t see,” today’s article will recognize the storied wrestling career of John Cena by highlighting his accomplishments, and we’ll also touch on his current role for the WWE and what the joint-most decorated superstar in wrestling history is doing today.
A 16-time World Champion
John Cena stands as the individual with the most World Championships in the annals of WWE, surpassing all other male competitors in this regard. John Cena has achieved a remarkable feat by winning a total of 16 World Championships, which is equivalent to the current record. Out of them, he has secured an impressive 13 WWE Championship reigns and an additional three World Heavyweight Championship reigns.
John Cena equaled Ric Flair’s record of 16 World Championship reigns during the 2017 Royal Rumble event, as he emerged victorious over AJ Styles to claim the WWE Championship. The attainment of a record 17th World Championship by Cena remains to be determined. Whether Cena surpasses the record or not, his World Championship count will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
380 Days
John Cena’s tenure as a professional wrestler in the WWE saw him achieve the unprecedented feat of holding the WWE Championship on 13 separate occasions. However, it is widely acknowledged that his third reign as WWE Champion stands out as the pinnacle of his championship runs. At the Unforgiven 2006 event, John Cena was victorious against Edge in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match, so initiating his third reign as the WWE Champion.
Cena exhibited unwavering determination and persistence during his 380-day tenure as the WWE Champion. He successfully defeated opponents such as Shawn Michaels, Umaga, Randy Orton, King Booker, and Edge, among other notable contenders. John Cena’s tenure as the WWE Champion spanned an impressive duration, surpassing the previous record set by Hulk Hogan’s four-year reign two decades prior. However, Cena’s championship reign was ultimately cut short due to a pectoral injury.
Wrestlemania Record-Breaker
John Cena’s prominent presence in the main event circuit of WWE for a span of ten years is a well-documented fact. Given his stature, it is unsurprising that Cena has been prominently featured in several World Championship battles at the prestigious WrestleMania event.
Interestingly, Cena owns one of the highest win percentages (77%) in WWE history, thus making him one of the bet-on wresters of the last two decades, particularly with BetMGM Massachusetts bonus codes to boost the odds. While he isn’t the same Wrestlemania success he once was, you wouldn’t rush to put your money on Cena walking out of the prestige event as a winner, what he’s achieved cannot be neglected.
At WrestleMania 21, Cena emerged victorious over JBL, securing his inaugural WWE Championship. Subsequently, he successfully defended his title twice, first against Triple H at WrestleMania 22 and then against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 23.
In his fourth consecutive World Title encounter at WrestleMania, he had his initial defeat at WrestleMania 24. Randy Orton emerged victorious, successfully defending the WWE Championship in a triple threat match that also featured the participation of Triple H. John Cena emerged victorious at WrestleMania 25 and WrestleMania 26, securing gold in both instances. However, his pursuit of the WWE Championship in a remarkable seventh consecutive World Title bout at WrestleMania 27 was unsuccessful, as he could not overcome The Miz on the esteemed platform of the event.
John Cena Returning to the Ring
John Cena, a highly accomplished individual with a record-breaking 16 WWE World Championship titles, has demonstrated exceptional success and mastery in the realm of professional wrestling for a span of 21 years. Consequently, Cena has effectively fulfilled all conceivable objectives and challenges within this domain, leaving no further obligations to establish his prowess within the wrestling ring. Nevertheless, Cena’s enduring sense of pride compels him to demonstrate his continued status as an esteemed WWE athlete.
Earlier this year, he returned to our Money in the Bank screens, calling for Wrestlemania to be hosted in London. However, his return was brief, and he was back in Hollywood. However, once the Hollywood SAG-AFTRA strike began, his schedule was freed, and he returned home on Smackdown in September.
Unfortunately, the strike ended as soon as he arrived, and he’s gone again.
He was anticipated to return to the Hollywood industry since he departed from the Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia following a defeat against Solo Sikoa, where he was subjected to significant physical dominance.
The significance of the encounter was attributed to its status as a “must-win” scenario, serving as a means to evaluate Cena’s character’s ability to thrive in the contemporary landscape of WWE. The individual experienced a significant failure, resulting in profound doubt regarding their capabilities and uncertainty over future prospects. Michael Cole engaged in speculation on the potential final appearance of John Cena in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
It is unlikely to be the case.
However, John Cena has not been scheduled to emerge victorious in a one-on-one contest since his triumph against Triple H at The Greatest Royal Rumble event in April 2018. Subsequently, Cena has exhibited a commendable level of generosity towards the World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) full-time performers, as seen by his willingness to elevate Bray Wyatt during WrestleMania 36, particularly during the apex of his Firefly Funhouse Era. Additionally, Cena extended his support to Austin Theory during the previous year’s WrestleMania, and now, he is demonstrating his benevolence towards Sikoa.
Cena isn’t the dominant force he once was, but he’s a true company man. And what does a company man do? He gives back! How does a company man give back? He puts over the younger talent.
John Cena: In the End
The reunion of Cena with former acquaintances and adversaries, like The Rock and AJ Styles, has engendered significant interest among fans. In the interim, there exists a preliminary fascination regarding the potential actions of Cena at WrestleMania 40, predicated on the notion that if he maintains his presence inside WWE over an arbitrary fall period, it is quite probable that he will participate in the momentous occasion taking place in Philadelphia. The increased attention garnered by WWE is advantageous since Cena effectively maintains the brand’s prominence among fans who do not possess an unwavering commitment to regularly consuming all WWE content weekly.
Although WWE promotes John Cena as the greatest of all time, many dedicated wrestling enthusiasts remain skeptical of this claim. Currently, he is widely regarded as one of the most reliable figures in the realm of professional wrestling. This is mostly due to his exceptional track record of achievements, broad popularity across all demographics, and his reputation for maintaining a relatively untarnished public image.
Cena has generously remarkably reciprocated his achievements during his ongoing tenure in WWE, and there are strong indications that he will persist in this positive direction for his future appearances in the organization.