WWE superstars who have impersonated John Cena have created some of the most memorable moments in wrestling, with R-Truth joining this unique club in 2025. These impersonations, spanning years and involving top talents, reflect Cena’s massive influence and the ongoing energy and tension within WWE storylines.
The Birth of Cena Impersonations: The Miz Kicks Off the Trend
Impersonating John Cena in WWE dates back to one of his fiercest rivals, The Miz, who was the first superstar to take on this approach publicly. Their rivalry reignited in 2017, following their original clash at WrestleMania 27 when The Miz, then WWE Champion, faced John Cena in a high-stakes showdown.
The dynamics shifted when both men were joined by their respective partners: The Miz with Maryse, and John Cena with Nikki Bella. Their escalating feud delivered a standout segment on WWE television, where The Miz and Maryse appeared dressed as John Cena and Nikki Bella. The duo engaged in a parody targeting the relationship famously featured on Total Divas, mocking Cena’s meticulous house rules and personality quirks, while Maryse lampooned Nikki Bella.
This bold impersonation marked a first within WWE, as The Miz fully embodied the “Face that Runs the Place,” providing both humor and sharp commentary on Cena’s larger-than-life persona. The story reached a dramatic point at WrestleMania 33, where Cena and Nikki Bella confronted The Miz and Maryse in a mixed tag team match. Cena and Bella triumphed, and in a surprise moment, Cena proposed to Nikki Bella on the grand stage, though the wedding was eventually called off.
Despite the match outcome, The Miz and Maryse continued their satire. After being drafted to the RAW brand during the Superstar Shake-Up, the couple reprised their Cena and Bella impersonations upon their debut, fueling the rivalry and keeping the WWE audience entertained. Their planned mockery segment was interrupted by Dean Ambrose, who stymied their attempt to further ridicule their rivals, adding a new layer of tension to the ongoing drama.
R-Truth Channels John Cena in 2025: The Rise of ‘Ron Cena’
Eight years after The Miz’s memorable impersonation, R-Truth brought fresh energy to the trend on the May 2025 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Formerly part of the tag team “Awesome Truth” with The Miz, R-Truth entered the arena prepared to honor his childhood hero, John Cena.
Dressed in Cena’s signature T-shirt, jorts, cap, and armbands, R-Truth made his entrance to “The Time is Now” and introduced himself as ‘Ron Cena.’ This heartfelt tribute captivated both the audience and his fellow wrestlers, further showcasing the lasting impact of Cena’s legacy on his peers. Their bout was charged with passion, but despite R-Truth’s determined performance, Cena secured the victory using a low blow followed by his trademark Attitude Adjustment (AA).
In an unexpected development, R-Truth was released from WWE just one week after this memorable impersonation. The loss prompted an outpouring of support and praise from other wrestlers and fans, highlighting the sense of camaraderie and respect that exists behind the scenes despite on-screen rivalries.
The Ongoing Legacy of Cena’s Influence in WWE
John Cena’s appeal goes beyond his athletic prowess; his mannerisms, merchandise, and iconic gestures have cemented him as a global figure idolized by generations of fans. Many WWE superstars, from The Miz to R-Truth, have used impersonation not just as comic relief but as a form of tribute and satire, blending admiration with competition.
Looking ahead, John Cena remains at the forefront of WWE storylines. He is set to partner with Logan Paul in a high-profile tag match against Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes at the upcoming WWE Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. With each appearance, Cena’s cultural importance and influence continue to spark passionate responses from peers and audiences alike.
The history of WWE superstars who have impersonated John Cena reflects the deep impact Cena has on the wrestling world. As new stars emerge and old rivalries resurface, the figure of John Cena endures—both as a real competitor and as an enduring character others continue to emulate and challenge.
