5 Greatest Stipulation Matches That Featured John Cena
John Cena, the face of WWE for over a decade, has been part of some of the most thrilling and memorable stipulation matches in professional wrestling history. These unique bouts have added layers of drama, excitement, and intensity to his already legendary career. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 5 greatest stipulation matches that featured John Cena.
1. John Cena vs. Edge – TLC Match (Unforgiven 2006):
One of the most iconic stipulation matches in WWE history is the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match, and John Cena’s showdown against Edge at Unforgiven 2006 is a standout example. In this brutal encounter, Cena and Edge battled for the WWE Championship, and the rules allowed the use of tables, ladders, and chairs as weapons. This bout showcased Cena’s resilience and willingness to put his body on the line, as he and Edge delivered jaw-dropping spots throughout the match.
The moment that stands out is Cena’s victory, where he lifted Edge onto his shoulders and delivered an Attitude Adjustment through two stacked tables. This dramatic win solidified Cena as a true champion and showcased his adaptability to extreme stipulations.
2. John Cena vs. JBL – “I Quit” Match (Judgment Day 2005):
The “I Quit” match is an intense stipulation that tests a wrestler’s determination and willingness to make their opponent submit. Cena’s “I Quit” match against JBL at Judgment Day 2005 was a brutal affair. The match saw both men using various weapons and putting each other through hellacious punishment.
What made this match special was Cena’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the brutal chair shots and JBL’s relentless attacks, Cena refused to say the words “I Quit.” In the end, he used a steel chain to his advantage, wrapping it around JBL’s neck and forcing him to quit. This match marked a significant moment in Cena’s career, as he showcased his never-give-up attitude.
3. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 23 (2007):
WrestleMania is the grandest stage in professional wrestling, and John Cena’s clash with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 23 added a stipulation that elevated it to another level. The match was a WWE Championship encounter with the stipulation that if Michaels lost, he would retire. This added emotional weight to an already epic encounter.
Cena and Michaels delivered a classic, with both men giving everything they had. The stipulation of Michaels potentially retiring added a layer of drama that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, Cena emerged victorious, but both men left the ring with their legacies enhanced.
4. John Cena vs. CM Punk – Money in the Bank (2011):
The Money in the Bank ladder match is known for its unpredictability and the opportunity it offers to the winner. When John Cena faced CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011, it was a unique stipulation match. Cena put his WWE Championship on the line, and if he lost, Punk would leave WWE with the title.
This match was an instant classic. Cena and Punk delivered a clinic in storytelling and in-ring action. The stipulation added tremendous pressure to Cena, as he was not only fighting to retain his championship but also to prevent Punk from leaving with it. In the end, Punk emerged victorious in a shocking turn of events, but Cena’s performance in this stipulation match was a testament to his commitment to the WWE.
5. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar – Extreme Rules Match (Extreme Rules 2012):
When John Cena faced Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules 2012, it was a collision of two titans in a brutal Extreme Rules match. This stipulation allowed the use of any weapon, making it one of the most physically demanding encounters of Cena’s career.
Cena and Lesnar left it all in the ring, with both men delivering devastating moves and utilizing various weapons. The moment that defined this match was when Lesnar delivered an F5 to Cena onto the steel ring steps, leaving Cena battered and bloodied. Despite the brutal beating, Cena showed his resilience by ultimately securing the victory.
John Cena’s career is filled with unforgettable moments, and many of his greatest matches have featured stipulations that added drama, excitement, and unpredictability. From TLC matches to “I Quit” matches and everything in between, Cena has consistently proven his ability to adapt to any stipulation and deliver memorable performances. These 5 stipulation matches, against some of the biggest names in WWE history, showcase Cena’s legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
