Top 10 John Cena WWE Rivalries Ranked from Least to Most Impressive

John Cena’s distinguished career has solidified his position as the face of WWE ever since the company transitioned from the influential Attitude Era. During this transformative phase, Cena emerged alongside other generational talents from the OVW developmental territory, heralding a new age in professional wrestling.

As we reflect on his remarkable journey leading up to his Retirement Tour, Cena has triumphed over numerous adversities, accumulating an impressive list of championships, including a record-breaking 17th WWE title at WrestleMania 41. Throughout his career, Cena has faced fierce rivalries that have not only provided fans with unforgettable moments but have also showcased his resilience and growth as a performer.

Join us as we delve into a discussion of the most compelling rivals John Cena has encountered in WWE, evaluating their dramatic clashes, chemistry, and the potential for future showdowns during his Retirement Tour.

10 JBL

The Rise of The Cenation

John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) and Cena have engaged in memorable encounters, including their intense ‘I Quit’ Match at Judgment Day ’05 and a brutal First Blood match at One Night Stand ’08. Their rivalry, marked by personal animosities and psychological warfare, is one of the key foundations of Cena’s rise to prominence.

Even though Cena often gained the upper hand, embarrassing JBL frequently, their feuds created an engaging storyline buildup that captivated audiences. Notably, their encounter at WrestleMania 21, where Cena clinched his ascent to WWE Championship, remains an iconic highlight in WWE’s illustrious history.

9 Baptist

Driving The Animal Out of Business

During the mid-2000s, John Cena and Batista emerged as WWE’s cornerstones. Both superstars transitioned from OVW and achieved monumental success, winning their titles at WrestleMania 21.

Their rivalry peaked during and after WrestleMania 26, where Batista portrayed a heel lamenting Cena’s Hollywood success. Their matches, particularly the Last Man Standing and I Quit Matches, captivated audiences and served as significant moments before Batista’s hiatus, enhancing the rivalry’s nostalgia.

8 Kurt Angle

The Prototype’s Ruthless Aggression

John Cena made a historic debut in WWE, introducing his Prototype gimmick against Kurt Angle’s open challenge on SmackDown, showcasing his “Ruthless Aggression.”This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Cena’s journey in WWE.

Kurt Angle quickly became a notable rival during Cena’s formative years. Their numerous encounters, including notable rap battles when Cena adopted his Doctor of Thuganomics persona, helped to launch Cena’s career trajectory. Their chemistry on-screen, combined with Angle’s respect for Cena, highlights the significance of their rivalry in the larger narrative of WWE.

7 Kevin Owens

Paving the Way for the Future

John Cena’s 2015 US Championship run was revitalizing, characterized by dynamic open challenges that elevated the title’s prestige. This period coincided with Kevin Owens’ rise from NXT, immediately igniting a feud that captivated audiences.

Their rivalry included a series of exceptional matches and well-constructed promos, with Cena’s willingness to put Owens over enhancing the latter’s status as a future star within WWE. This moment not only showcased Cena’s promotional acumen but also illustrated Owens’ potential, solidifying their encounters as pivotal in WWE history.

6 Brock Lesnar

The End of Super Cena

Brock Lesnar’s return in 2012 marked a seismic shift in WWE dynamics, primarily targeting Cena, who had recently lost to The Rock. The subsequent rivalry evolved into a significant chapter in both men’s careers.

The culmination of their feud unfolded during their SummerSlam 2014 clash, where Lesnar decisively defeated Cena. This match not only marked the end of Cena’s highly praised “Super Cena”persona but also solidified Lesnar’s status as a dominant force in WWE.

5 The Rock

Twice in a Lifetime

The rivalry between The Rock and Cena sparked in 2010, reaching its zenith with their anticipated match at WrestleMania 27. Although opinions are divided regarding how the feud unfolded over the years, it undeniably exuded a palpable big-fight atmosphere.

The backdrop of their storied legacies, combined with fierce exchanges leading up to their bouts, positioned this feud as one of WWE’s most significant. The eventual rematch at WrestleMania 28 provided a sense of closure, with Cena triumphing and demonstrating his resolve in the face of criticism.

4 AJ Styles

A Certified Modern Classic

The clash of John Cena and AJ Styles in 2016-2017 was a dream come true for wrestling fans. Both performers are renowned for their exceptional skills and captivating promos, creating a riveting narrative that drew in viewers.

This rivalry was marked by exhilarating matches and a chemistry that made each encounter feel historic. Their SummerSlam and Royal Rumble matchups are regarded as highlights and exemplify the heights that can be reached when talent and storytelling align perfectly.

3 CM Punk

The Legendary Pipebomb

The 2011 Summer of Punk storyline redefined the narrative possibilities of professional wrestling, igniting profound interest with the iconic pipebomb promo and Punk’s temporary departure from the company with the WWE Championship.

The exchanges between Cena and Punk showcased a raw intensity and passion that resonated with fans. Their encounters, including a celebrated match on RAW before WrestleMania 29, are still regarded as highlights of their careers, demonstrating how compelling rivalries can reshape the landscape of storytelling in wrestling.

2 Randy Orton

Destined to Fight Forever

The rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton stands as a testament to their storied careers, extending across multiple eras of WWE. With numerous high-stakes encounters, including their most recent bout at Backlash 2025, this legendary feud has left an indelible mark on wrestling history.

Notably, their intense clashes during 2009 showcased Orton at his most villainous, tormenting Cena through a series of devastating attacks. This rivalry not only highlighted their respective legacies but also solidified them as two of WWE’s greatest stars.

1 Edge

The Rated R Superstar’s Nightmare

John Cena’s rivalry with Edge initiated in 2006 and developed into one of the most captivating storylines in WWE history. Following Edge’s shocking Money in the Bank cash-in for the WWE Championship at New Year’s Revolution, their conflict escalated into a series of brutal encounters.

The dynamic between Cena as the determined face and Edge as the cunning heel generated some of the most memorable moments in WWE. Their infamous hotel room assault and Cena’s counterattack in Edge’s home added a thrilling layer of intensity, culminating in a climactic TLC match at Unforgiven 2006 that fans still reminisce about today.

Although Edge is no longer an active competitor, the potential for one last showdown with Cena remains a poignant topic among fans as Cena approaches his Retirement Tour.

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