During his farewell tour, John Cena made a lasting impression on the September 5 edition of Friday Night SmackDown in Chicago, Illinois, by dropping a notable John Cena AEW reference SmackDown. This moment connected his career past and present by acknowledging a key AEW star he once rivaled fiercely in WWE.
Cena’s last appearance in Chicago marked a poignant moment, as the city was where he debuted 23 years ago. On this night, he accepted an open challenge from Kurt Angle and faced off against Sami Zayn, who put his newly won WWE United States Championship on the line against Cena. Determined and energized, Cena fought hard in what was his final opportunity to claim a record-setting sixth US title.
Tribute to Adam Copeland Shines Amid WWE Rivalry
One of the most memorable highlights of the event was Cena’s unexpected homage to Adam Copeland, widely remembered as one of his greatest WWE competitors. As Sami Zayn was positioned in the corner, Cena replicated Copeland’s signature taunt before delivering a powerful spear. This gesture served as an acknowledgment of Copeland’s influence despite his current status as an AEW star.
The two men shared a deeply storied rivalry throughout their WWE careers, with many fans hoping for a final showdown before Cena’s retirement. Though a match between them did not materialize—partly because Copeland is now affiliated with AEW—reports indicated that Copeland was considered for an appearance during Cena’s farewell run.
Honoring Past Rivals Amid Transition
John Cena expressed that while he understood it wasn’t possible to compete against everyone he wished as he wrapped up his WWE career, he was intent on paying tribute to the key rivals and superstars who shaped his journey. This heartfelt reference to Adam Copeland on SmackDown allowed fans to feel the enduring spirit of a legendary rivalry as Cena’s career drew to a close.
By weaving Cena’s history with Copeland into his final SmackDown match, WWE delivered a moment that was both nostalgic and meaningful. It underscored Cena’s respect for those who helped define his path and left fans anticipating how his farewell tour would continue to honor his legacy in professional wrestling.
