5 most memorable John Cena returns in WWE

#3 John Cena returns to SmackDown in 2020 to announce his retirement (or so we thought!)

John Cena in the Firefly Fun House match against Bray Wyatt

Last year, speculation was running rife that John Cena was set to announce his retirement from in-ring competition after a seven-month hiatus. It was announced that he would be appearing on the February 28th, 2020 episode of SmackDown to make an announcement.

In a heartfelt promo, Cena said that WrestleMania should go on without him. He choked up during the speech and had the WWE Universe in the palm of his hand throughout.

With John Cena exiting up the ramp, it was clear that WrestleMania was going to happen with him involved. The Fiend appeared behind him, pointing at the WrestleMania sign, as Cena nodded in agreement.

It ultimately set up the first-ever Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36.

John Cena and The Fiend is so creative #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/WGPOBIF03W

— BluE EaZY (@RealBluEEaZY) April 6, 2020

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#2 John Cena returns to help The Rock against The Wyatt Family in 2016

The Rock and John Cena

John Cena and The Rock main-evented two consecutive blockbuster WrestleMania events together.

In late 2015, Cena suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and would rule him out of action for a number of months. But this setback won't keep him down for long.

CENA. ROCK. THIS IS WHAT #WrestleMania IS ALL ABOUT! pic.twitter.com/MCrfiDHpY1

— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2016

At WrestleMania 32, The Rock was confronted by The Wyatt Family members — Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman.

It was a three-on-one situation until John Cena made a shocking return to aid The Rock and fend off the Wyatt Family. Cena made a full-time return the month after WrestleMania.

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#1 John Cena returns at the 2008 Royal Rumble to shock the world

John Cena entering the Royal Rumble at No.30

In October 2007, John Cena suffered a torn pectoral muscle during a match on Monday Night RAW. He was set to be out of action for six months to a year.

It was later revealed that the muscle had been completely torn off the bone, which prolonged Cena's rehabilitation. But three months later, John Cena did the unimaginable. He returned at the 2008 Royal Rumble event in Madison Square Garden to a thunderous response.

Cena entered the match at number 30 and won the whole thing to guarantee himself a world championship match at WrestleMania. It was easily one of the most iconic Royal Rumble moments in history.