Counting Down John Cena’s Most Overlooked WWE Classics Ahead of His Retirement Match

John Cena

10- John Cena vs. Bobby Lashley (Great American Bash 2007 – WWE Championship Match)

Often viewed through the lens of Bobby Lashley’s first WWE run being a slight disappointment, this WWE Championship match is a forgotten gem that showcases both men at their most dominant. It was a classic "hoss fight," pitting two powerhouse athletes against each other in a stiff, competitive encounter. Lashley was given ample opportunity to look legitimate, dominating Cena with massive moves that had the audience fully invested in the possibility of a title change. Cena was forced to rely on his trademark resilience and fighting spirit to overcome the brute strength of his challenger. The match succeeded in elevating Lashley and delivering a high-quality championship defense for Cena.

9- John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles (No Mercy 2016 – Triple Threat Match)

This fantastic Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship is overshadowed by the other great rivalries involving these three men, but it was a non-stop clinic. The match's standout quality was the constant engagement, avoiding the common trope of one competitor selling outside the ring for extended periods. Cena, Ambrose, and Styles—each with completely contrasting styles—meshed seamlessly, trading incredible near-falls that left the audience guessing until the final bell. The drama was exceptionally high, particularly after the simultaneous double submission spot. Styles ultimately retained the title, but the bout itself stands as a testament to the in-ring work rate of the SmackDown brand's 2016 'New Era.'

8- John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt (Payback 2014 – Last Man Standing Match)

While their WrestleMania 30 encounter disappointed many, Cena and Wyatt proved their undeniable chemistry in this hard-hitting Last Man Standing Match at Payback. The two utilized the stipulation perfectly, incorporating weapons and innovative spots that built tremendous drama. Wyatt's ability to maintain his haunting persona while taking brutal punishment was key, and Cena was relentless in his efforts to put him down. The match was physical and gripping, showcasing Wyatt’s main event potential and making excellent use of interference spots to ratchet up the tension.

7- John Cena, Daniel Bryan & Sheamus vs. The Shield (Raw: Jan. 27, 2014 – Six-Man Tag Team Match)

This tag team contest exemplifies the electric formula of mid-2010s Shield matches. Cena, Bryan, and Sheamus were ideal adversaries, with Sheamus serving as the aggressive anchor, and Cena delivering a compelling performance as the resilient "face-in-peril." This naturally built anticipation for an explosive hot tag to the dynamic Daniel Bryan. The final sequence was pure chaos, showcasing the spectacular chemistry and collective ability of all six superstars to create an adrenaline-fueled, action-packed main event that was undeniably compelling.

6- John Cena vs. Randy Orton (Bragging Rights 2009 – 60-Minute Iron Man Match)

Following years of repetitive clashes, audiences were burnt out on the Cena-Orton rivalry, which makes this 60-minute Iron Man match at Bragging Rights 2009 an unfairly forgotten classic. It stands as perhaps their best encounter, showcasing incredible endurance and an unpredictable dynamic as they traded falls throughout the hour. They pulled out all the stops, incorporating various stipulations—including a Falls Count Anywhere segment—and high-drama interference to justify the length. Cena ultimately won 6-5 in the final moments, delivering a masterclass in long-form wrestling storytelling that proved both men could deliver a compelling main event.

5- John Cena vs. Eddie Guerrero (SmackDown: Sept. 11, 2003 – Parking Lot Brawl)

This chaotic brawl saw heel John Cena, portraying a brash "Southie" punk, clash violently with Eddie Guerrero amid parked cars. Both men took nasty bumps, with suplexes delivered onto hoods and bodies driven through windshields, effectively utilizing the unconventional setting. The match featured dangerous near-misses, like Cena slicing a car hood with a shovel. It culminated in an iconic Frog Splash from the roof of a truck onto Cena, who was sprawled on a car hood, delivering a surprisingly brutal and compelling TV spectacle.

4- John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler (TLC 2012 – TLC Match)

Cena is not usually associated with specialty matches like TLC, making this bout against Dolph Ziggler a surprising "hidden gem" from 2012. Ziggler, holding the Money in the Bank contract, delivered a phenomenal performance centered around his incredible selling ability and bumping, while Cena adapted his power offense to the ladder stipulation. They created a compelling story, with both men engaging in dangerous, innovative spots to retrieve the contract. The dramatic finish, which involved AJ Lee turning on Cena, further amplified the match's importance and shock value. This remains one of Ziggler's career-best outings and a clear example of Cena's versatility.

3- John Cena vs. The Great Khali (One Night Stand 2007 – Falls Count Anywhere Match)

This match is a masterclass in problem-solving, showcasing Cena's ability to maximize Khali's imposing size while minimizing his in-ring limitations. Cena expertly sold Khali's offense, making every slow chop look devastating. The action was structured around massive, memorable spots, including a huge bump for Cena off the top rope and the spectacular finish: Cena delivering an Attitude Adjustment (F-U) to Khali off a towering forklift. This strategic match created an incredible, highly dramatic spectacle, proving Cena's caliber against an exceptionally challenging opponent.

2- John Cena vs. Sabu (Vengeance 2006 – Extreme Rules Lumberjack Match)

Though overshadowed by Cena vs. RVD at One Night Stand 2006, this match with ECW legend Sabu was a surreal, chaotic experience. The bout, surrounded by a bizarre mix of ECW and Raw lumberjacks, featured intense chair shots and outside brawling. The visual clash between the clean-cut Cena and the scarred, unorthodox Sabu made it unique. The violent conclusion saw Cena deliver an Attitude Adjustment (F-U) to Sabu over the top rope and crashing through a table, creating a brutal, memorable moment that perfectly captured the unpredictable atmosphere of the ECW invasion angle.

1- John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins (Royal Rumble 2015 – Triple Threat Match)

This match is arguably one of the greatest Triple Threat contests in WWE history, yet it often falls behind the main event status of Lesnar's other monumental clashes. Cena, Lesnar, and Rollins delivered a frantic, high-impact battle that began at an explosive pace and never let up. Seth Rollins, in particular, looked like a superstar poised for a top run, utilizing his athleticism and a masterful Curb Stomp through the announcer's table. Cena's resilience was tested against the Beast Incarnate in a match where dramatic near-falls and constant action were the norm. The bout solidified Rollins as a top-tier threat.