Sami Zayn created a sensation in the wrestling world when he paid an unexpected John Cena tribute wrestling homage during a recent live event. Taking place during a singles match against Gunther on the WWE Live Holiday Tour, Zayn’s gesture quickly captivated fans online and inside the arena.
A Memorable Encounter Between Zayn and Cena
Earlier, Sami Zayn shared the ring with John Cena in a notable SmackDown event where Zayn issued an open challenge for the United States Championship. The contest featured both wrestlers delivering their signature moves in a high-stakes battle, refusing to give up the championship easily. Cena landed several Attitude Adjustments, including an Avalanche AA from the top rope, but Zayn managed to withstand each attempt by kicking out. Zayn countered with Blue Thunder Bombs and Heluva kicks, intensifying the match as both veterans fought for an upper hand in hopes of holding the title once more.
The clash ended dramatically after Brock Lesnar made a surprise return to WWE Programming since SummerSlam, intervening in the match. Lesnar attacked both Cena and Zayn, delivering a series of F5s that left Zayn motionless in the center of the ring. As a result, the match concluded without a clear winner, with Zayn ultimately retaining the championship. Following this encounter, Zayn continued his open challenge for the U.S. title across several weeks, eventually losing it to Ilja Dragunov. Dragunov carried on the open challenge tradition until Carmelo Hayes emerged as the new champion.
Zayn’s John Cena Tribute Goes Viral
An unexpected tribute unfolded in Zayn’s recent match against Gunther. During this bout on the WWE Live Holiday Tour, Zayn executed Cena’s signature sequence by lifting Gunther and slamming him onto the mat. He then performed Cena’s iconic gesture—the Five Knuckle Shuffle—which brought a massive response from the audience. As Zayn raised his hand, the cheers grew even louder, and a spirited ‘You Can’t See Me’ chant thundered across the building, echoing the energy of Cena’s most electric moments with the WWE Universe.
“Sami Cena #WWESyracusepic.twitter.com/3aCEifBbm4″— Piledriver Press aka Marcus⭕️ (@PiledriverPress)
Cultural Meaning Behind the Tribute
This gesture took on deeper meaning considering Gunther had faced John Cena in Cena’s final WWE match and was the one credited with Cena’s retirement on December 13. Since that event, Gunther has leveraged the moment to assert his new role as a top figure in WWE, making bold claims about surpassing Cena’s legacy and even taunting him over the retirement outcome. The context added an extra layer to Zayn’s tribute, connecting the moment to professional respect and the ongoing evolution of status among WWE’s premier talents.
Sami Zayn’s public acknowledgment of Cena highlights the enduring bonds and rivalries that shape the wrestling landscape, reminding both fans and participants of the legacy that continues to evolve each night in the ring. As reactions to the tribute spread online, including commentary from figures like Marcus⭕️, the moment stands as another memorable chapter in WWE’s ongoing story of competition and homage.
Sami Cena #WWESyracuse pic.twitter.com/3aCEifBbm4
— Piledriver Press aka Marcus⭕️ (@PiledriverPress) January 2, 2026
