As John Cena‘s Farewell Tour approaches its final dates, the veteran WWE superstar continues to honor the rivals who have defined his storied career. Over more than two decades, Cena has paid tribute by incorporating signature moves and gestures from notable opponents like CM Punk, Randy Orton, Edge, AJ Styles, and Kevin Owens. With only six shows remaining, Cena is expected to include even more tributes, further acknowledging the rivalries that shaped his legacy.
Remembering The Miz: Acknowledging a Hardworking Adversary
Among Cena’s most respected opponents is The Miz, a wrestler often seen as underappreciated despite his relentless work ethic. Cena has consistently shown appreciation for The Miz’s commitment to the business, recognized by peers as one of WWE‘s most dedicated workers. The rivalry between Cena and The Miz is notable for its intensity and history, including their memorable WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 27, where The Miz emerged victorious.
As Cena’s Farewell Tour nears conclusion, he might adopt The Miz’s Skull Crushing Finale move to elicit excitement from the crowd while paying homage. Additionally, Cena could recite some of their famed verbal exchanges—such as the heated promos leading up to WrestleMania 33 or the RAW segment where The Miz asserted dominance alongside Roman Reigns as Intercontinental Champion. These moments highlight both the rivalry’s passion and The Miz’s impactful presence in Cena’s career.
Paying Homage to Daniel Bryan: Honoring The American Dragon
Daniel Bryan, also known as Bryan Danielson outside WWE, left the company in 2021 to join AEW, where he retired from full-time competition in September 2023 after losing the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley. Though now transitioning to a full-time commentary role for AEW, Bryan remains an influential figure in the wrestling world and has a long history of rivalry and camaraderie with Cena.
Though Bryan will not appear on Cena’s Farewell Tour, Cena may still pay tribute to him through signature moves such as the Running Knee, the LeBell Lock submission, or even the famous “Yes!” taunt and kicks. While commentator Corey Graves might sometimes credit similar moves to other wrestlers like The Miz, these gestures would serve as clear nods to Bryan’s enduring legacy and influence on Cena.
Honoring Batista: Celebrating a Defining Rivalry
Batista represents one of John Cena’s most formidable competitors from their shared time in WWE’s Ruthless Aggression era. Both men rose to prominence simultaneously, capturing their first World Championships at WrestleMania 21 and later forging successful careers outside wrestling as prominent actors in Marvel and DC films. Their rivalry was so significant WWE initially separated them onto different brands, where they led respective rosters.
Though their careers have evolved in different directions, Batista remains a legendary adversary for Cena. One of the most straightforward and meaningful tributes would be the use of the iconic Batista Bomb. Its simplicity and impact make it a powerful move for Cena to replicate, especially as a salute to a great rival now retired from in-ring competition. To maximize the emotional value, it will be crucial for WWE’s commentary team to explain the significance of the move during the match, something that has occasionally been overlooked recently.
The Lasting Impact of Cena’s Farewell Tributes
John Cena’s Farewell Tour has become not only a celebration of his own career but also a tribute to those who have shared the ring with him during his journey. By adopting signature moves and paying homage through promos and gestures, Cena honors the dedication, competition, and friendship developed over decades. For fans, these moments deepen the appreciation of wrestling history and amplify the drama of his final matches.
As the tour moves toward its conclusion, each tribute serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of Cena’s iconic rivalries with The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Batista, and others. These actions highlight the respect and admiration that underpin professional wrestling, signaling that Cena’s legacy is not just about his achievements, but also about the relationships and battles that defined the era. Wrestling enthusiasts can anticipate more thoughtful tributes as Cena’s farewell draws to a close, leaving a lasting impression on WWE’s ongoing narrative.
