WWE superstar John Cena reached a significant milestone as he nears the conclusion of his in-ring career this year. During SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium, Cena delivered a highly acclaimed performance that earned him his first five-star match in 14 years, marking a defining moment in his legendary tenure. This accomplishment highlights Cena’s lasting impact on professional wrestling as he wraps up his retirement tour.
SummerSlam Showdown: A Memorable Street Fight Against Cody Rhodes
In one of the evening’s most intense bouts, Cena faced off against Cody Rhodes in a WWE Championship Street Fight. Cena, having ended his heel persona and returned to his familiar babyface character, engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth contest with Rhodes, who was determined to dethrone him. The match featured dramatic near-falls, including Cena kicking out of a triple Cross Rhodes and Rhodes escaping a top-rope avalanche Attitude Adjustment at two counts.
The climax came when Rhodes executed a daring Cody Cutter off the top rope through a table, followed by a decisive Cross Rhodes, securing the WWE Championship and ending Cena’s reign. The visceral storytelling combined with high-risk maneuvers captivated fans and critics alike.
Recognizing Excellence: Dave Meltzer’s Five-Star Praise
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer bestowed a rare five-star rating on the match, a distinction Cena had not received since 2011. That year, he earned the same rating for a championship bout against CM Punk at Money in the Bank in Chicago. Meltzer described the recent encounter as a “true classic match,” underscoring its quality and significance.
Though Cena has come close on several occasions, including standout matches against Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins in a triple-threat at the 2015 Royal Rumble, and against AJ Styles in 2017, both earning 4.75 stars, the perfect five-star had eluded him until now.
John Cena Reflects on the Importance of Ratings and Audience Connection
While critics’ evaluations hold weight in the wrestling community, Cena has consistently emphasized the importance of audience reaction over individual assessments. During a 2023 interview with 92NY, he shared his perspective on performing for fans rather than focusing solely on star ratings.
“I am much more concerned when I perform for WWE, in how the audience as a whole feels about my performance rather than one individual trying to grade me in a level of stars. Not that it doesn’t matter, because that is a great way for those to try to get equity and try to get noticed. It’s a great ranking system and I really do appreciate it. I’m not knocking critics. I’m just saying my process is to make sure that everybody who paid a ticket had a good night,” he answered. [From 0:15 onwards]
—John Cena, in a 2023 interview on 92NY, transcription courtesy of Sportskeeda Wrestling
Legacy Strengthened as Cena Continues Retirement Tour
John Cena’s five-star match achievement reaffirms his status as one of WWE’s all-time greats and delivers a powerful message about his enduring dedication to the sport and its fans. As he moves closer to retiring from active competition, this landmark match serves as a fitting capstone to his storied career. Fans eagerly anticipate further memorable moments from Cena’s remaining appearances on his farewell tour, expecting the same passion and intensity that have defined his legacy for nearly two decades.
