In the world of professional wrestling, John Cena feuds building and killing stars stand at the center of many wrestlers’ careers, dramatically influencing their trajectory in <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE, both for better and for worse. Throughout the company’s storied history, Cena’s rivalries have either catapulted his opponents to new levels of stardom or halted their momentum, sometimes permanently.
Cena’s status as a mainstay of WWE positioned him as a career-maker or breaker, depending on how the storyline unfolded. His feuds have shaped the legacies of emerging talents and established names, with some competitors reaching new heights, while others saw their momentum vanish after clashing with “The Champ.” Below, we break down notable cases where Cena’s influence led to superstars being either elevated or sidelined, illustrating the dual impact of wrestling’s enduring icon.
AJ Styles: Catapulted into WWE Stardom through a Rivalry with Cena
AJ Styles arrived in WWE as an already established international name but had yet to prove himself in the company’s main event scene. The pivotal moment came through his feud with John Cena, where Styles scored a clean victory at SummerSlam, immediately legitimizing him as a top competitor on one of wrestling’s biggest platforms. Their series of matches were praised for their intensity and storytelling, with Styles outperforming even some veterans and securing his place in the main event tier on SmackDown.
While many believed Styles would reach high status at some point, the rivalry with Cena accelerated his rise. The storyline not only allowed Styles to compete as Cena’s equal but sometimes as his superior, marking the beginning of Styles’ run as WWE Champion and solidifying him as one of the company’s brightest stars.
Rusev: Undefeated Streak Broken and Momentum Lost
Nearly a year of dominance defined Rusev’s status as United States Champion, making him one of WWE’s most formidable competitors. However, his momentum came to a halt when John Cena became his opponent. In a memorable WrestleMania showdown, Cena ended Rusev’s impressive undefeated streak and claimed the title.
The aftermath was even more damaging for Rusev, as he suffered additional losses to Cena in subsequent matches. This string of defeats stripped Rusev of his aura of invincibility, and he struggled to reclaim his previous stature within WWE, descending the ranks and never truly recovering the momentum he once possessed. Rusev’s case remains a prime example of a career derailed by a high-profile feud gone awry.
The Miz: Reaching Main Event Status through Cena
The rise of The Miz in WWE was catalyzed by his main event feud with John Cena, particularly when their rivalry culminated at WrestleMania. While critics may debate the quality of The Miz’s championship run, it is clear that his character work and confidence flourished during this period.
The feud with Cena provided The Miz a spotlight at the highest echelon of WWE, validating his tenure as WWE Champion. After contending with Cena, The Miz became a steady presence in the upper midcard scene and has since amassed a résumé worthy of Hall of Fame consideration, in large part thanks to the boost received from his rivalry with one of WWE’s pillars.
Bray Wyatt: Main Event Dreams Shattered in the Wake of Defeat
Bray Wyatt’s dark persona and compelling promos had him poised to become a marquee attraction in WWE, especially as he approached his marquee match with John Cena at WrestleMania 30. Many believed that a victory would cement Wyatt as a major player in the company. Instead, Cena triumphed cleanly at the grand stage, and the feud overall ended 2-1 in Cena’s favor.
This outcome led to Wyatt losing significant momentum, as he struggled to find his place in WWE’s hierarchy afterward. The booking decisions that followed failed to reignite his trajectory, and the initial spark surrounding his character was never fully restored after his feud with Cena marked a missed opportunity for long-term superstardom.
Sheamus: Rising from Rookie to World Champion through Cena
In late 2009, Sheamus was relatively untested on WWE’s main roster, when he unexpectedly challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship. In a shocking twist that took fans and analysts by surprise, Sheamus defeated Cena, capturing the title and instantly being recognized at a much higher level.
This rivalry marked a turning point for Sheamus, who stayed relevant in the upper midcard and main event scenes for years thereafter. The company’s willingness to place Sheamus in a high-stakes feud with Cena opened the door for him to become one of the most accomplished champions in WWE’s modern era, collecting titles across different divisions and establishing himself as a consistent top-tier competitor.
Ryback: From Contender to Afterthought Following a Loss to Cena
Ryback’s explosive debut in WWE drew substantial fan support and positioned him as a top contender, leading to an anticipated world title opportunity. Despite his initial popularity, Ryback never captured the championship at his hottest. WWE attempted to resurrect interest by turning him heel and pairing him with Cena in a title feud.
The outcome did little to restore Ryback’s standing. After multiple defeats to Cena, he faded from the main event spotlight and lost much of his momentum, resigning him to a non-prominent role for the remainder of his WWE career. The feud with Cena became the defining turning point where Ryback’s ascent stalled for good.
Kevin Owens: Making a Main Roster Statement versus Cena
Kevin Owens made an immediate impact in WWE by targeting John Cena in his first high-profile main roster feud. The storyline saw Owens pull off a stunning victory against Cena at Elimination Chamber 2015, instantly showcasing him as a credible up-and-comer. While Owens ultimately lost the overall feud, he maintained a strong presence through compelling matches and performances on the microphone.
Owens quickly regained momentum post-feud, winning the Intercontinental Title and charting a steady rise towards main event status. His rivalry with Cena served as the ideal launching pad for his WWE tenure, giving him the credibility to thrive in future programs and championship pursuits.
Umaga: Dominance Erased by Cena’s Victories
Umaga, billed as an unstoppable force, was positioned as one of the greatest challenges to John Cena’s reign as WWE Champion. Their matches were praised for their physicality and storytelling, but the losses proved damaging for Umaga’s push. Cena consistently emerged victorious, curbing Umaga’s aura as an untouchable monster heel.
After these high-profile defeats, Umaga’s standing on the roster diminished. He was relegated to the midcard, never regaining the main event momentum that his earlier undefeated run had suggested. The rivalry with Cena effectively curtailed what could have been a longer dominant run for Umaga within WWE’s hierarchy.
CM Punk: Elevated to Icon Status after Cena Rivalry
While CM Punk had already won world championships, he had yet to be firmly established as a generational star in WWE. The turning point came with his feud against John Cena, particularly during the storyline that unfolded in the build-up to a championship match in 2011. Punk’s ability to shine on the microphone, contest Vince McMahon, and compete in what many consider one of WWE’s finest matches helped elevate him to a new echelon of superstardom.
Punk’s feud with Cena transformed him from a perennial contender into a bankable main event draw, noted for both his charisma and in-ring skills. After dethroning Cena, even briefly in terms of fan support and merchandise sales, Punk’s status as a defining figure of his era was firmly secured. This rivalry is widely credited as the springboard for Punk’s lasting legacy as one of WWE’s most influential stars.
Wade Barrett: Potential Derailed after Confrontation with Cena
Wade Barrett burst onto the main roster leading The Nexus, immediately taking WWE by storm with a string of bold attacks and storylines. Targeting John Cena seemed like a decision that would solidify Barrett as the next major villain in the company, but Cena emerged victorious in their feud by the end of 2010, decisively overcoming Barrett and humiliating the group.
Following these events, Barrett’s upward momentum halted, and he never returned to the same level of prominence he enjoyed at the outset of his WWE run. Once considered a top prospect, Barrett’s main event hopes faded, highlighting the risk for rising stars who come out on the wrong end of a major program with Cena.
The Broader Impact of Cena’s Influence in WWE
Throughout his WWE tenure, John Cena’s rivalries have become pivotal episodes in the modern wrestling narrative, shaping the futures of superstars such as Rusev, The Miz, Sheamus, Ryback, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt, Umaga, CM Punk, and Wade Barrett. Each feud illustrates how working with, or against, a wrestling icon can create opportunities for new champions or undermine years of momentum, making the stakes unusually high for anyone sharing the ring with WWE’s leading man.
Looking ahead, Cena’s pattern of helping to build or break the stars of tomorrow remains a focal point in WWE storylines. As the company continues to elevate new talent, the lessons and reverberations from these past feuds will continue to influence booking decisions, shaping who becomes a future icon and who may fade quietly into wrestling history.
