Stephanie Vaquer reveals favorite WWE match with John Cena as her top pick from WWE history, sharing her choice during a recent conversation with WWE Español. The WWE Superstar selected the legendary encounter between John Cena and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 23 as her most memorable match, offering insight into a bout that has left a lasting impression on fans around the world.
Why Stephanie Vaquer Chose the Cena vs Michaels Clash
During her interview with WWE Español, Stephanie Vaquer discussed how the 2007 showdown for the WWE Title between John Cena and Shawn Michaels stands out above all others for her. WrestleMania 23 served as the setting for this anticipated event, marking the main event where the 2007 Royal Rumble runner-up Shawn Michaels faced off against Cena. Spectators viewed this match as a true dream encounter between two icons, and the excitement among fans was undeniable as Cena ultimately secured the win in a hard-fought contest.
In highlighting her favorite, Vaquer emphasized the magnitude of this battle within WWE’s storied history. The match, remembered for its significance and the legacies of its competitors, remains a popular topic among both new and longtime wrestling followers. For Vaquer and many others, WrestleMania 23’s main event represents the heights WWE can reach with the right combination of story, star power, and performance.
Tensions Behind the Scenes: Shawn Michaels’ Perspective
While fans celebrated the action in the ring, details later emerged about the dynamic between Shawn Michaels and John Cena during the match. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported shortly after the event that Michaels was frustrated with Cena at points, particularly regarding his reaction to attacks in the ring. These insights detailed Michaels’ high expectations for anyone sharing the spotlight with him on such a grand stage.
Michaels later reflected on that night in a conversation with ESPN:
“I mean this lovingly, I don’t care whatever level he was at. I needed him to reach a higher level that night — hopefully the highest level he’d ever met at that time — because that’s what I certainly expect for myself, and that’s what I expect from the guys that are in the ring with me. I think John knew that, and that’s something I’ve always appreciated about him. I believe it is something that John took very seriously at the time; he wanted to be at his absolute best as well.” —Shawn Michaels, WWE Hall of Famer
This quote reveals the mutual respect and relentless drive for excellence that defined their contest. Michaels’ expectations not only challenged Cena but may have pushed both to deliver a match that remains beloved.
The Rivalry Continued After WrestleMania
Just weeks following their WrestleMania 23 encounter, Cena and Michaels reignited their rivalry on the April 23, 2007 episode of RAW. Their rematch stretched nearly an hour, showcasing extraordinary stamina and in-ring skill. This time, Michaels managed to pin Cena, adding another iconic chapter to their storied feud and reinforcing why these two are considered among the greatest veterans in WWE history.
The impact of their matches transcends individual moments, having inspired wrestlers like Stephanie Vaquer and continued to excite fans of WWE, ESPN, and the company at large. As these events are remembered and retold, the Cena vs. Michaels saga at WrestleMania 23 remains a prime example of what makes professional wrestling captivating for generations of fans and future stars alike.
