John Cena’s Top 10 Most Iconic Moments on Monday Night Raw

John Cena's Iconic Moments on RAW

10- John Cena def. Rey Mysterio for WWE title (July 25, 2011)

Following CM Punk's controversial departure with the title, Rey Mysterio won a tournament on the July 25, 2011, episode of Raw to become the new WWE Champion. However, John Cena immediately challenged him to a match that same night. In the main event, Cena defeated the exhausted Mysterio, ending Rey's reign in less than two hours to capture his ninth world championship. This chaotic night of title changes was cut short when CM Punk shockingly returned, holding both the "original" and "new" WWE Championships.

9- John Cena's 20th WWE Anniversary Celebration (June 27, 2022)

John Cena made a highly emotional return to the June 27, 2022, episode of Raw to celebrate two decades since his WWE debut. The heartfelt segment featured video tributes from legends and the entire roster. Cena delivered a passionate address to the live audience, stressing that his return was primarily about showing appreciation to the fans for their continued support. This appearance cemented his status and highlighted his unparalleled connection to the WWE Universe.

8- Face to face with CM Punk ahead of Money in the Bank (July 12, 2011)

Following CM Punk’s seismic “pipebomb,” tensions erupted on the July 12, 2011, episode of Raw, just days before his Money in the Bank showdown with John Cena. Punk arrived with a copy of his expired WWE contract, defiantly refusing to sign a new deal and vowing to walk out of WWE with the championship. Cena fired back, accusing Punk of holding the title hostage after his war of words with Vince McMahon. The confrontation supercharged the stakes for their iconic Chicago clash, where Punk’s victory would truly mean the WWE Championship might leave the company with him.

7- Puts WrestleMania 29 Main Event spot on the line vs. CM Punk (February 25, 2013)

On the February 25, 2013, segment of Raw, John Cena, having won the Royal Rumble, was forced by Mr. McMahon to put his WrestleMania 29 main event title shot on the line against CM Punk. In a dramatic, high-stakes contest, Punk aimed to steal Cena's opportunity to face The Rock. After a hard-fought battle, Cena overcame Punk, securing his spot and confirming the highly anticipated rematch against The Rock for the WWE Championship, effectively concluding their long, storied rivalry.

6- John Cena's 2005 Draft Lottery Pick

In the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery, the reigning WWE Champion, John Cena, was announced as the very first draft pick, moving him from SmackDown to Raw. This move instantly solidified Cena as the undisputed face of the company and its flagship program, marking the official start of the "Cena Era." The high-profile selection immediately reshaped the landscape of both brands and guaranteed that the company's biggest championship would now be featured exclusively on Monday nights.

5- John Cena's Final Raw at Madison Square Garden (November 17, 2025)

John Cena made his final Raw appearance as an active performer on November 17, 2025, in the legendary Madison Square Garden. Fresh off completing his Grand Slam, Cena teamed with Rey Mysterio and Sheamus to defeat The Judgment Day in a Six-Man Tag Team Match. The emotional night concluded his historic 545-match run on the red brand. Before the match, Cena accepted a championship rematch challenge from Dominik Mysterio for Survivor Series, ensuring his final Raw moment was a triumphant victory in the World's Most Famous Arena.

4- Heel promo in Brussels, Belgium (March 17, 2025)

During a special European edition of Raw in Brussels, Belgium, John Cena delivered a shocking full-blown heel promo following his betrayal of Cody Rhodes at Elimination Chamber. Cena entered the arena to a chorus of relentless boos. He blamed the WWE Universe for his actions, accusing them of being abusive bullies who only demanded more from him without ever caring how he felt. This intense segment marked a dramatic and successful character change, cementing Cena’s turn to the dark side on his retirement tour.

3- John Cena Completes the Grand Slam on Raw (November 10, 2025)

In a truly historic and highly emotional match on the November 10, 2025, episode of Raw in his hometown of Boston, John Cena finally captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship. By winning this title, he officially completed his career Grand Slam, having previously held the WWE, World Heavyweight, United States, and Tag Team Championships. This monumental victory served as the final, crowning achievement of his in-ring career on the red brand, providing a perfect farewell moment for the legendary superstar.

2- Shawn Michaels def. John Cena in a 55-minute classic (April 23, 2007)

Weeks after their WrestleMania 23 clash, Cena and Shawn Michaels faced off in a legendary, near-hour-long non-title main event in London, England. This instant classic saw Michaels finally pin Cena after delivering a Sweet Chin Music, resulting in a significant and rare clean loss for the reigning WWE Champion. The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical contests ever aired on Raw, dramatically elevating the prestige and action of the flagship show's main event.

1- Face off with The Rock after WrestleMania 27 (April 4, 2011)

The night after The Rock cost John Cena the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XXVII, Cena walked out to the booing crowd, visibly frustrated. In a tense confrontation on Raw, Cena, angered by The Rock's interference, turned the wrestling world upside down. He shockingly challenged The Rock to a match at WrestleMania XXVIII, a full year away. The Rock accepted, immediately setting the stage for the unprecedented "Once in a Lifetime" encounter that would dominate WWE programming for the next twelve months.