During tonight’s AEW Collision broadcast, an unexpected moment unfolded when John Cena was directly referenced inside the ring following the show’s opening match, creating a buzz among fans familiar with the rivalry between wrestling promotions. This John Cena AEW Collision reference took place shortly after AEW newcomer El Clon made his in-ring debut, bringing extra excitement to the evening.
AEW Debut Sets the Stage for Memorable Moment
The evening began with El Clon, a recently added member of the Don Callis Family, stepping into the AEW Collision spotlight as he faced Angelico in his debut match. El Clon showcased impressive strength and confidence throughout the contest, ultimately claiming a decisive victory. Not long after, tensions escalated when Angelico’s tag partner, Serpentico, intervened. However, El Clon was quick to neutralize Serpentico, further cementing his dominance in the match’s aftermath.
As emotions continued to run high, Komander sprinted to the ring to assist his fellow luchadores. Instead of engaging in a confrontation, El Clon decided to exit the ring, but continued to keep the energy alive by taunting Komander as he ascended the entrance ramp. In a notable act, El Clon performed a salute followed by a pointed gesture towards Komander, hinting at both respect and a brewing rivalry.
John Cena Name-Dropped in the Arena
This display immediately caught the attention of audience members in the arena. As El Clon mimicked John Cena’s famous salute, a fan seized the moment to call out what they saw as an homage or possible challenge, loudly declaring:
“You’re not John Cena” said the fan.
This vocal reference served as a nod to Cena’s enduring influence in professional wrestling, especially just after his retirement match on the December 13th episode of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. On that evening, John Cena faced Gunther but ultimately submitted in what became a highly emotional close to his storied in-ring career. The AEW Collision incident, happening so soon after, only highlighted the lasting legacy that Cena holds within the wrestling world.
Future Paths for AEW and the Newcomer
El Clon’s forceful debut on AEW Collision signals that the Don Callis Family has potentially acquired another top-tier competitor. With the enthusiastic crowd reaction and immediate comparisons to wrestling icons like John Cena, it is clear that both AEW and El Clon are positioned for intriguing developments in the weeks ahead. Fans will be watching closely, especially as speculation grows over whether AEW will further embrace references to rivals and whether Komander or other competitors may challenge El Clon’s rapid rise. John Cena’s unexpected mention during this event underscores the impact he’s had on the industry, bridging the excitement and rivalry between promotions for fans old and new.
.@KomandercrMX saves @Angelico_AEW + @KingSerpentico from a beatdown by El Clon!
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/a110RcLerY
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 4, 2026
