Ranking the Most Iconic John Cena Entrances in WWE History

John Cena

10- First RAW Entrance 2005 (The Draft Shock)

John Cena's debut entrance on Monday Night Raw was historic, marking him as the first pick in the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery as the reigning WWE Champion from SmackDown!. Introduced by Chris Jericho for a "Highlight Reel" segment, his familiar music hit, igniting a mixed, yet massive, crowd reaction. This entrance was significant not for any special effects, but for the seismic shift it represented: moving the company's top champion and franchise player to the flagship show. It was a simple walk down the ramp that instantly cemented a new era for Raw television.

9- WrestleMania 26 (Military Marching Band)

For his rivalry with Batista, Cena's entrance played up his "never give up" ethos and connection to the military. He was accompanied by a live, full-sized marching band, featuring members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. They performed a snappy, powerful version of "My Time Is Now" with full brass and percussion, marching in perfect, disciplined formation. This salute elevated the patriotic aspect of his character to a spectacular, real-life tribute.

8- WrestleMania 27 (Gospel Choir/Say a Little Prayer)

Facing The Miz for the WWE title, Cena started with a deeply spiritual and dramatic introduction. The arena went dark as a live gospel choir appeared on the stage, singing a powerful a capella rendition of "Amazing Grace," which then transitioned into his theme song, "My Time Is Now." The juxtaposition of the solemn choir and the sudden rock anthem made for a high-impact reveal, showcasing a more serious, championship-worthy side of the polarizing superstar.

7- 2008 Royal Rumble (The Surprise Return)

This entrance is one of the greatest shock returns in WWE history. As the clock counted down for the 30th entrant, the Madison Square Garden crowd was stunned when John Cena's music exploded through the speakers. He had been out for months with a severe pectoral muscle tear, an injury projected to keep him sidelined well past WrestleMania. Cena sprinted to the ring in red and black gear, looking ferocious and recovered far ahead of schedule. The overwhelming, thunderous reaction of shock and elation cemented it as a truly legendary surprise moment.

6- One Night Stand 2006 (The Riot Starter)

Entering the Hammerstein Ballroom to face Rob Van Dam for the WWE Championship, Cena's entrance was defined entirely by the unprecedented, volcanic hostility of the ECW crowd. The audience, largely comprised of die-hard ECW fans, booed and chanted profanities with such intensity that it was almost a physical presence. The legendary image of Cena, face etched with defiance, holding the WWE Title above his head while surrounded by signs that read "If Cena Wins, We Riot," made this a legendary walk of pure, unadulterated fan venom.

5- SummerSlam 2025 (The Real Retirement Tour Starts Now)

John Cena’s 2025 SummerSlam entrance marked a triumphant return to his heroic roots. After months of dark, monochrome visuals, the “My Time Is Now” titantron suddenly burst into his classic red and blue as he stepped out with trademark energy for his final WWE title defense against Cody Rhodes. Sprinting to the ring with the title and Stu, Cena soaked in a thunderous ovation. The vibrant shift signaled the end of his heel era and the beginning of an emotional farewell tour from “The Face That Runs the Place.”

4- 2006 Royal Rumble (The Mothership)

For his WWE Championship match against Edge, John Cena made one of his most outlandish and cartoonish entrances ever. The lights went out as his theme music, "My Time Is Now," was heralded by a sci-fi sound effect, and a massive, spaceship-like structure descended from the rafters. The elaborate metallic pod opened up on the stage to reveal Cena standing inside. While the entrance was spectacular and unique, rumors suggested this "Mothership" aesthetic was planned for a different event. It was a bizarre, over-the-top visual perfectly fitting for a huge pay-per-view spectacle.

3- WrestleMania 22 (Chicago Gangster)

Returning to his roots, Cena transformed into a 1940s-style gangster for his WWE Championship defense against Triple H in Chicago. Backed by CM Punk and other wrestlers dressed as mobsters, Cena arrived in a vintage, dark-colored sedan. He wore a pinstripe suit and a fedora, trading his usual "chain gang" look for "The Chain Gang Commander" boss. This creative nod to Chicago history and his original "thugonomics" persona was a rare, celebrated diversion.

2- WrestleMania 23 (The Street Muscle)

In his main event WWE title bout against Shawn Michaels, Cena needed an entrance worthy of the massive Ford Field. His theme music was replaced by the sound of screeching tires as a sleek, black Ford Mustang with white racing stripes drove right into the arena. The car crashed through a massive glass panel on the stage, scattering shards everywhere. Cena emerged, full of intensity, signifying the powerful "Motor City" energy and his real-life passion for cars.

1- WrestleMania 25 (The Cena Army)

This entrance for his Triple Threat match against Edge and Big Show was a massive spectacle. The ramp was lined with dozens of John Cena "clones" performing the "You Can't See Me" gesture in unison, creating a cinematic tunnel of his own image. This display of self-parody and star power perfectly highlighted his status as the company's leading man. It was an unforgettable visual that solidified the event's "25th Anniversary" grandiosity, leading him to win the World Heavyweight strap.