Kevin Owens John Cena has been at the center of a compelling WWE storyline since Owens’ main roster debut. Their rivalry, though brief, captured the audience’s attention as John Cena, a seasoned veteran, acknowledged the rising talent in Owens. This began on May 18, 2015, when Owens responded to Cena’s United States Championship open challenge by instead attacking Cena with a Pop-up Powerbomb and stomping on the US title, instantly igniting their feud.
This led to a highly anticipated Champion vs. Champion bout at the 2015 Elimination Chamber, where Owens secured a clean victory over Cena, shocking many fans. The conflict unfolded further across two more pay-per-view events, with Cena avenging his loss by defeating Owens at Money in the Bank and Battleground, building a memorable chapter in WWE history.
Years later, the two unlikely allies joined forces in 2022 during a SmackDown tag team match on December 30, defeating Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn of The Bloodline faction, demonstrating their ability to come together against a common opponent.
John Cena Honors Kevin Owens During Retirement Tour
As John Cena embarks on his retirement tour, culminating in his final match on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, he has been revisiting rivalries and acknowledging past opponents. Kevin Owens has notably received special recognition from Cena during this reflective period.
On the September 5 episode of SmackDown, Cena accepted Sami Zayn’s singles challenge and incorporated moves paying homage to various past rivals. During the match, Cena executed the Pop-up Powerbomb on Zayn, a direct nod to Owens’ signature move from their earlier battles.
Meanwhile, Owens, currently recovering from surgery, showed his respect by dressing as John Cena for Halloween, a gesture that Cena publicly acknowledged by sharing Owens’ photo on his Instagram account, celebrating their shared history in the ring.
Looking ahead, Cena is slated to compete against AJ Styles in a singles match at Crown Jewel on October 11, continuing his farewell journey in WWE.
The Ongoing Influence of WWE’s Past and Present Stories
The Kevin Owens John Cena dynamic exemplifies the ongoing narratives that keep WWE fans engaged, blending rivalries with moments of respect and collaboration. Owens’ bold challenge in 2015 laid the groundwork for one of the most memorable feuds of that time, while their recent teamwork highlighted how former adversaries can unite under shared goals.
Cena’s retirement tour not only celebrates his illustrious career but also offers a platform to recognize wrestlers who have played key roles in his journey, with Owens standing out as one such figure. This public display of appreciation enhances the emotional connection between wrestlers and fans alike.
As Cena approaches his final scheduled matches, his interactions with Owens and others underscore the blend of competition and camaraderie defining professional wrestling’s storytelling approach. Fans can expect more tributes and high-profile matches before Cena’s exit, culminating in significant events such as Crown Jewel.
