John Cena’s WWE career, now approaching its conclusion, offers a chance to reflect on his journey from a historical standpoint. His record includes both standout victories and disappointing performances, proving that even a fan-favorite like Cena encountered some underwhelming matches at crucial times.
As WWE’s longest-reigning top star, Cena has featured in more major bouts than anyone else in the company’s history. Naturally, this exposed him to some of the most infamous mistakes that frustrated fans, with his next match standing out as a significant letdown during his legendary run.
At WrestleMania 27, Cena’s main event against The Miz was notably underwhelming, struggling to live up to expectations. The match was overshadowed by The Rock’s involvement, which became the focal point instead of the bout itself. The Miz, trying to reclaim his spot atop the main event scene after a lackluster first title reign, couldn’t quite deliver.
In SummerSlam 2017, Cena faced Baron Corbin in a feud that WWE had built up over months, with Corbin positioned as a rising villain and Money in the Bank winner. However, a backstage conflict derailed Corbin’s momentum, resulting in a one-sided match where Cena easily triumphed, leaving fans disappointed by the wasted storyline potential.
At WrestleMania 39, Cena returned for a rare match against Austin Theory for the United States Championship. Theory, seen as Vince McMahon’s new project, was not yet ready for such a spotlight and failed to make the match compelling. Fans felt Cena’s final WrestleMania appearance was wasted on a competitor not prepared to rise to the occasion.
More recently, Brock Lesnar’s comeback as Cena’s challenger at Wrestlepalooza 2025 baffled fans who hoped for a memorable contest. Instead, Lesnar dominated Cena in a storyline reminiscent of their 2014 rivalry, with Cena unable to redeem himself, which many viewed as a squandered opportunity for an epic showdown.
The iconic rivalry with The Rock, beginning at WrestleMania 28, showcased Cena’s capacity for a strong main event, with The Rock victorious in the first encounter. Vince McMahon’s decision to book a rematch at WrestleMania 29 gave Cena the victory, albeit in a less memorable bout complicated by the inclusion of the WWE Championship.
Cena’s ongoing feud with Randy Orton, including their TLC 2013 match, blended both thrilling and disappointing moments. The TLC bout, meant to be more exciting with unified titles on the line, fell flat for many viewers who preferred Daniel Bryan, reflecting WWE’s struggles with storylines at the time.
At WrestleMania 41, Cena pulled off one of the greatest heel turns, reigniting fan interest by delivering a fresh side of his persona. He defeated Cody Rhodes to become the undisputed WWE Champion and set a new record for world title reigns, though much of the night was overshadowed by a controversial Travis Scott appearance and an uneven follow-through on Cena’s heel storyline.
Finally, Cena’s long-awaited clash with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 34 came too late in both careers. The Undertaker, who had ended his famous winning streak years earlier, defeated Cena quickly under match restrictions, leaving fans wanting more from a bout between two legends.
Fan Take: These pivotal moments in Cena’s career highlight the mixed legacy left by one of WWE’s most recognizable figures. For fans, it’s a reminder that even the brightest stars face setbacks, and these highs and lows shape the evolving landscape of sports entertainment, signaling changes and challenges ahead for WWE’s future.
