AEW wrestlers who defeated John Cena and CM Punk form a rare group, as scoring a victory over either wrestling powerhouse is a notable feat, let alone both. Presently, four AEW stars stand out for having bested these two influential WWE legends at significant points in their careers.
Background on WWE Icons and Their Legacies
John Cena and CM Punk have dominated professional wrestling for over two decades, shaping WWE history with headline matches and unwavering fan support. As Night of Champions 2025 approaches in Saudi Arabia, anticipation rises for their renewed rivalry over the Undisputed WWE Championship, promising another memorable encounter between these two ring veterans.
From 2005 to 2017, Cena maintained his reputation as the most protected performer in WWE, seldom suffering clean defeats. CM Punk, known as The Second City Saint, also held a similar protected status, particularly during his prime as champion and main event talent. Since his WWE return in 2023, Punk has been portrayed as a formidable competitor, cementing his legacy within the industry. This context sets the stage for understanding why toppling either star is so highly regarded.
WWE Alumni Who Achieved Dual Victories, and the AEW Elite
Bryan Danielson and Paul Wight, both of whom have made major names for themselves in wrestling, are among those who previously managed to win over both Cena and Punk. However, they are currently inactive in the ring. Only four current AEW competitors remain active who have achieved this rare double victory, solidifying their status among wrestling’s elite.
Shelton Benjamin: The Gold Standard’s Underrated Achievements
Shelton Benjamin, a fan favorite for his athleticism and charisma, never captured a world title in WWE but still enjoyed a career filled with significant accomplishments. His place in the select group of AEW wrestlers who defeated John Cena and CM Punk highlights the extent of his skills and resilience. As the former United States Champion, Benjamin secured wins against both “The Best in the World” and “The Greatest of All Time.”
In June 2002, before John Cena’s official WWE debut, Benjamin faced him at house shows, with Cena performing as “The Prototype.” Their rivalry extended to a dark match prior to WWE Sunday Night Heat, where Benjamin prevailed. Years later, in February 2010, Benjamin faced CM Punk during a Money in the Bank qualifying match on WWE SmackDown. Despite Punk having the Straight Edge Society by his side, Benjamin emerged victorious, advancing to the high-profile ladder match at WrestleMania.
Chris Jericho: The Lionheart’s Mastery Over Top WWE Talent
Chris Jericho, noted for his memorable WWE tenure, boasts numerous championships and high-profile victories. He first squared off against John Cena on July 2, 2002, using his veteran experience to outwit the then-rookie. Over the years, Jericho’s encounters with Cena turned into a headline rivalry, though their feud was eventually overshadowed by Jericho’s legendary clashes with CM Punk.
Jericho dealt several decisive blows to Punk, notably in 2008, when he defeated Punk four times in singles action. A critical moment came during a ladder match for the World Heavyweight Championship on September 15, 2008, where Jericho again triumphed. He further qualified for the 2009 Elimination Chamber match by besting Punk in January 2009. Although Punk later scored a significant win against Jericho at WrestleMania 28, Jericho’s multiple victories set him apart as an AEW wrestler who bested both icons.
Edge (Cope): The Ultimate Opportunist Conquers Two Giants
Edge, now going by Cope in AEW, spent nearly his whole career with WWE, engaging in memorable rivalries with both Cena and Punk. His celebrated feud with Cena peaked during the Ruthless Aggression Era, where Edge forged his reputation as the consummate villain opposite Cena’s clean-cut hero. Their most famous clash came at Backlash 2009, when Edge decimated Cena in a Last Man Standing match to claim the World Heavyweight Championship.
Edge’s victories over CM Punk also strengthened his elite credentials. Notably, in January 2008 on WWE SmackDown, Edge overcame Punk in a closely contested bout. Although further high-stakes matches between them did not materialize, Edge’s record stands as yet another example of an AEW competitor who triumphed over both superstars before leaving WWE for AEW in August 2023, just prior to Punk’s own WWE return.
Jon Moxley: From WWE to AEW, Toppling Two Legends
Jon Moxley, known during his WWE years as Dean Ambrose, has continually demonstrated his toughness in the ring, even when his run was marked by ups and downs. In the summer of 2016, Moxley became embroiled in a three-way feud with AJ Styles and John Cena. On the September 20, 2016, episode of SmackDown, Moxley managed to outwit Cena, narrowly escaping an Attitude Adjustment and snatching a crafty pinfall victory.
While Cena and Moxley crossed paths only in WWE, CM Punk is among the few to have fought Moxley in both WWE and AEW. In WWE, Punk bested Moxley, but their rematch in AEW had a different outcome. On Dynamite in August 2022, Moxley overwhelmed Punk in under five minutes, capturing the Undisputed AEW World Championship in what many called a resounding upset. Though Punk regained the title shortly after at All Out 2022, Moxley’s win placed him among the select AEW wrestlers with victories over both icons.
What This Means for Wrestling History
Scoring clean wins over both John Cena and CM Punk is a milestone that cements any wrestler’s legacy, especially as both men have spent years at the very top of the industry. The accomplishments of Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Edge (Cope), and Jon Moxley stand as a testament to their talents and competitive spirit. These feats further enhance AEW’s reputation, underscoring its roster’s pedigree and its deep ties to wrestling history. As the anticipation builds for Cena and Punk’s next bout at Night of Champions 2025, fans can reflect on how rare it is for any wrestler—let alone current AEW stars—to claim victories over both icons, ensuring their place in sports entertainment’s ongoing legacy.
