WWE Superstar Kevin Owens paid homage to John Cena by dressing up as the wrestling icon during an early Halloween celebration with his family. This gesture, reflecting the ongoing respect between the two stars, came amid Owens’ current time away from WWE due to a neck injury that has put his career on hold.
Owens has been sidelined since March after undergoing surgery on his neck, and his return to the ring remains uncertain. Despite the setback, Owens remains positive and is enjoying quality moments with his wife, Karina, and their son, Owen—who is a big John Cena fan. Owens’ Halloween costume, complete with Cena’s signature look, was well received and even earned the family a free cake at Starbucks during their outing.
A Personal Tribute to a WWE Legend
The decision for Kevin Owens to embody John Cena for Halloween likely carries multiple meanings. It serves as a personal salute to Cena, who recently paid tribute to Owens by demonstrating respect in the ring. In addition, Owens’ son’s admiration for Cena may have inspired the choice. This heartfelt tribute comes at a moment when Cena is winding down his legendary career on his retirement tour.
The History of Owens and Cena’s Rivalry
Kevin Owens and John Cena share a notable competitive history from their 2015 feud, which remains one of WWE’s most memorable rivalries. Their feud included a series of intense matches, with Owens achieving a remarkable clean victory over Cena in his very first WWE main roster match at Elimination Chamber that year.
Though Cena eventually triumphed in the rivalry, winning subsequent matches at Money in the Bank and Battleground, the fierce contest helped establish Owens as a major star in WWE. Their battles were hard-fought and highly regarded by the WWE Universe, fostering mutual respect and appreciation between the two wrestlers that continues today.
WWE Community Reacts to Owens’ Gesture
Kevin Owens’ tribute has resonated with fans and WWE insiders alike, highlighting the strong bond between past rivals who have shaped WWE’s modern era. John Cena’s act of honoring Owens during his recent United States Championship match—where Cena executed a Pop-up Powerbomb on Sami Zayn—underscored the camaraderie behind the competition.
“It was really cool for Cena to give me that kind of recognition,” Owens said about their mutual respect. — Kevin Owens
As Owens continues his recovery, the WWE Universe remains hopeful for his return, while appreciating the meaningful connection he shares with Cena. This tribute symbolizes not only their shared history but also the enduring spirit of respect that thrives among WWE’s top stars.
KEVIN IS LITERALLY A JOHN CENA STAN this is so meðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/NIXdMfZcUU
— .⋆✮rey✰⋆˙ (peacemaker spoilers) (@thejudgementgay) October 4, 2025
