The end of an era is near. As WWE fans across the globe prepare to bid farewell to one of the greatest superstars in professional wrestling history, John Cena’s final appearance on WWE Raw promises to be a night of emotion, nostalgia, and celebration. For over two decades, Cena has stood as the face of WWE — a symbol of resilience, charisma, and dedication. From his debut in 2002 to his rise as a global icon, Cena’s journey has been defined by unforgettable rivalries, championship victories, and larger-than-life moments that shaped an entire generation of wrestling fans.
As the countdown to Cena’s final Raw continues, the WWE Universe looks back on eight iconic matches and moments that helped build “The Champ’s” legendary career — moments that transformed him from a hungry newcomer into one of the most beloved and polarizing figures in sports entertainment.
1. The Ruthless Aggression Debut (2002)
It all began when a young, fiery John Cena stepped into the ring against Kurt Angle on SmackDown, answering an open challenge with two words that would define an era — “Ruthless Aggression.” Though he lost the match, Cena’s passion and confidence instantly captured attention and set the tone for what was to come.
2. United States Championship Victory Over Big Show (WrestleMania XX)
At Madison Square Garden, Cena claimed his first major title by defeating The Big Show with an Attitude Adjustment. The moment established him as a rising star and solidified his “never give up” mantra.
3. First WWE Championship Win (WrestleMania 21)
Cena’s victory over JBL for the WWE Championship in 2005 marked the beginning of his reign at the top. With this win, he officially became the face of WWE, embodying the company’s new era of heroism and mainstream appeal.
4. The Rivalry with Edge
Cena’s rivalry with Edge was pure storytelling brilliance. From chaotic TLC matches to emotional promos, their feud blended athleticism with personal drama — showcasing Cena’s evolution as both performer and storyteller.
5. The Epic Showdown with The Rock (WrestleMania 28 & 29)
Dubbed “Once in a Lifetime,” Cena’s clash with The Rock transcended wrestling, merging two worlds of superstardom. Their back-to-back WrestleMania battles were among the most-watched events in WWE history, culminating in Cena’s redemption victory at WrestleMania 29.
6. Money in the Bank 2011 vs. CM Punk
In front of a hostile Chicago crowd, Cena faced CM Punk in one of the greatest matches of all time. The emotional intensity, real-life tension, and electric atmosphere made it an instant classic and proved Cena’s unmatched ability to carry a story.
7. U.S. Open Challenge Era (2015)
During this period, Cena reinvented himself, defending the United States Title weekly against emerging talents like Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. These matches not only elevated younger stars but reminded everyone why Cena was still “The Man.”
8. The Final Raw Farewell (2025)
Now, as Cena prepares for his final Raw appearance, fans are ready for one last salute — one final “You Can’t See Me” moment that celebrates everything he’s given to the WWE Universe.
Whether you cheered him or booed him, John Cena’s legacy is undeniable — a 16-time world champion, a Hollywood star, a philanthropist, and above all, a true ambassador of WWE’s spirit. His final Raw isn’t just the end of a career — it’s the celebration of a legend who taught millions to hustle, show loyalty, and never give up.
