John Cena’s 10 Greatest Moments in Survivor Series History

John Cena

10- Team Cena vs. Team Big Show (2006)

At Survivor Series 2006, John Cena served as the captain for Team Cena in a five-on-five Traditional Elimination Match against Team Big Show. Cena's team included Kane, Bobby Lashley, Sabu, and Rob Van Dam, while The Big Show led Test, Finlay, Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), and Umaga. Cena was the eventual sole survivor for his team, securing the victory for the babyfaces after pinning The Big Show following an Attitude Adjustment (FU). This win was a significant moment in Cena's ongoing rivalry with the dominant Big Show and showcased his leadership and ability to overcome overwhelming odds in a multi-man environment.

9- Arrival of The Shield (2012)

The dramatic conclusion of the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship between champion CM Punk, Cena, and Ryback was completely overshadowed by a seismic event. As Ryback was about to deliver his finishing blow, the wrestling world was introduced to The Shield (Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns) for the very first time. Their shocking intervention, which saw them powerbomb Ryback through the announce table, directly cost Cena the championship. This seminal debut marked the beginning of a dominant new era and instantly thrust Cena into a major storyline with the company's newest, most destructive faction.

8- John Cena's Survivor Series Debut (2003)

In his first Survivor Series appearance, a promising babyface John Cena competed as part of Team Angle against Team Lesnar in a thrilling 10-man Traditional Elimination Match. Still ascending the ranks after his "Doctor of Thuganomics" heel run, his performance was instrumental in securing a hard-fought victory. Alongside the seasoned Chris Benoit, Cena stood tall as the co-sole survivor. This significant victory in a major pay-per-view main event was a crucial step in establishing Cena's credibility and catapulting him toward his eventual status as a top-tier superstar.

7- Special Guest Referee for Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton (2010)

Cena was controversially forced into the role of special guest referee for the WWE Championship match between the champion Randy Orton and challenger Wade Barrett. The stipulation was dire: if Barrett won, Cena was free; if Orton won, Cena would be immediately fired (in storyline). Cena reluctantly called the match with strict fairness and integrity, leading directly to Orton’s title retention and, consequently, Cena's emotional, kayfabe firing. This highly-charged storyline decision highlighted Cena’s commitment to his morals despite the painful personal cost.

6- World Heavyweight Title Defense vs. Alberto Del Rio (2013)

Cena successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship against a determined and technically proficient Alberto Del Rio. Returning from yet another injury, this was a crucial defense to solidify his reign with the SmackDown-brand championship and demonstrate his continued physical readiness and dominance. The well-executed, hard-hitting contest proved that Cena was still capable of overcoming elite-level opposition and carrying the championship banner regardless of which brand he represented, further extending his incredible streak of Survivor Series triumphs.

5- WWE Championship Defense vs. Kurt Angle (2005)

Cena's first singles match at Survivor Series saw him successfully defend the prestigious WWE Championship against the Olympic gold medalist, the masterful Kurt Angle. The odds were heavily stacked against Cena, as then-General Manager Eric Bischoff appointed the biased Daivari as the Special Guest Referee. Despite the challenge of overcoming Angle's technical offense and the constant threat of unfair officiating, Cena delivered a gritty, resilient performance and retained the title. This triumph further solidified his reputation as the unyielding, fighting champion of the company.

4- WWE Championship Triple Threat (2009)

In an electrifying contest, Cena successfully defended the coveted WWE Championship against both former D-Generation X comrades, Triple H and Shawn Michaels. The match kicked off with a huge shock when Michaels immediately dropped Triple H with a devastating Sweet Chin Music. Cena cleverly navigated the subsequent chaos and the intense personal rivalry between the two legends, enduring their combined assault and cunning offense. By overcoming two future Hall of Famers in a grueling contest, Cena once again showcased his unwavering ability to survive the very best competition.

3- Survivor Series Victory vs. The Authority (2014)

John Cena served as the captain of Team Cena in a high-stakes Traditional Elimination Match against Team Authority, where a loss meant the end of The Authority's iron grip on the company. Cena fought valiantly, but was ultimately betrayed by The Big Show and eliminated by the dominant Seth Rollins. Just when all hope seemed lost, the wrestling world was stunned by the shocking WWE debut of the legend Sting. His intervention directly led to Dolph Ziggler and Team Cena securing the victory, symbolically bringing down The Authority and creating one of the most memorable endings in the event's history.

2- Teaming with The Rock (2011)

In what was arguably the most star-studded tag team pairing in modern history, Cena reluctantly teamed up with his arch-rival and returning legend, The Rock, to face The Miz and R-Truth. Despite their palpable animosity and the looming prospect of their WrestleMania XXVIII main event, the two icons united to secure a commanding victory. However, the goodwill was immediately shattered post-match when The Rock delivered a signature Rock Bottom to Cena, instantly reigniting their tension and fiercely setting the stage for their historic "Once in a Lifetime" encounter.

1- Memorable return and World Heavyweight Title Win vs. Chris Jericho (2008)

In a dramatic, career-defining moment, John Cena returned from a serious neck injury, which was initially expected to sideline him for months, far ahead of schedule. He immediately challenged and defeated a stunned Chris Jericho to capture the World Heavyweight Championship. The incredible surprise and the emotional energy from his hometown Boston crowd amplified the moment, making it one of the loudest pops of the year. This victory marked Cena's inaugural reign with the Big Gold Belt and powerfully underscored his unbelievable tenacity and recovery speed.