Top 6 John Cena Championship Matches

John Cena debuted in WWE on June 27, 2002. When you think about it, that's a long time ago. A lot of wins, losses, and matches in general. Out of all the matches he's had over the years, his in-ring ability and overall character have been both praised and questioned by his fans and haters alike. But Cena always seems to find himself in the middle of great feuds that have put on amazing matches. Cena's name has circled around world championships, especially the WWE Championship, a title he held a record 10 times. A lot of people don't like to see John Cena as champion, much less see it 16 times. Showing up and putting his body on the line for the fans, who most of the time would much rather boo him than cheer him.

Despite the negativity, Cena was one of the most loyal, hardworking, and passionate employees a Vince McMahon could ask for. It showed in his work ethic which was second to none, and it most definitely shows in the ring. John Cena is most definitely a future Hall of Famer. Part of that is due to all he's done for the business, which is shown when you bring up the fact that he is one of the most decorated WWE superstars of all time. One would have to guess that because he's had so many championship matches over the years, there has to be a few that stand out, because of how well he works in a WWE ring. These are my top 6 John Cena championship matches.

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WWE Backlash 2007: John Cena(c) vs Randy Orton vs Edge vs Shawn Michaels

This is one of my favorites mainly because of the AMAZING ending, but everything in between was just as good. Granted, that is what happens when you put together so many combustible elements. A lot of people didn't like the match because of the finish.

But honestly, it gave the impression that on a different day, at a different time, HBK would've been the champ. Which would make him look strong in defeat, and most importantly, a contender and credible threat to the WWE Championship back then.

Of course, taking nothing away from Randy Orton and Edge. Each person in this match made it what it was, a classic. Despite anybody that booed Cena because it was cool because you genuinely think he sucks, or whatever the reason may be. The match itself was truly something to remember.

Wrestlemania 29: The Rock(c) vs John Cena

Wrestlemania 29 Press Conference

One year removed from their 'Once in a Lifetime' match at Wrestlemania 28, this feud had some of the best storytelling in recent years. From The Rock's return to WWE as the host of Wrestlemania 27, through John Cena's lost at Wrestlemania 28, to this very moment.

This match was something special and everything that you could ask for in a rematch for the ages. Their first match seemed as if time stood still with the main guy in the company facing off with a man who is an extremely important part of the growth of the business of Sports Entertainment. Both refusing to let the other have the spotlight.

While their rematch was from a standpoint of John Cena needing to prove something to everyone that doubted him the first time around. It really put over the fact that this was a must-win for Cena. Despite the fact that up until that point, the last 365 days prior, weren't the best for him. Nothing short of a terrific match and the result would be a pivotal moment to the last chapter of their historic rivalry.

Summerslam 2011: John Cena(c) vs CM Punk(c)

Despite the fact that he would come out on the losing side on this one, I think we can all agree that this was a match that showcased the talent of not only Punk but Cena as well. CM Punk stopping Cena's infamous shoulder block with a knee.

Reversing his STF into an Anaconda Vise. Cena slamming Punk into the mat when Punk was attempting his high knee into a running Bulldog. This match was an absolutely stellar performance from both men. Oh, and let's not forget that perfect "Boo/Yay" punching spot.

However, what I love most about this match is that they already had such great chemistry at this point so a 4-star match was the least anyone could expect (at least for me).

Also, this match and Money in the Bank 2011 are considered some of CM Punk's best matches in WWE. That says a lot, giving credit to how good Punk was.

Money in the Bank 2011: John Cena(c) vs CM Punk

As stated before, he came out on the losing end of this one as well. But it's just something about CM Punk's style and his ability to bring out the best in people, especially John Cena. Similar to how with any regular Brock Lesnar match, you would get suplexes and F5's but Aj Styles vs Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2017 was better than a lot of people thought. That's because of AJ's ability to bring out the best in his opponents.

Taking nothing away from the work ethic and wrestling ability of both men, this match was probably better than it was supposed to be. Only because of the storyline that Punk was leaving WWE afterward, which would eventually lead to their Undisputed WWE Championship match at Summerslam 2011, a month down the line.

In my opinion, CM Punk was the perfect opponent for John Cena. The one that brought the most out of him, the one that would knock him off his "pedestal" (so to speak) every time he would beat Cena. Most importantly, never failing to pull a 5-star match out of each other is more than what the fans wanted at the time, it's also what the company needed.

Summerslam 2013: John Cena(c) vs Daniel Bryan

Often referred to as the biggest match of Daniel Bryan's career, the fans made it perfectly clear whose side they were on. Despite Cena being the "guy to beat" in this situation, the submission specialist would prove to be too much for the face of the company to handle.

These guys did a wonderful job gelling and mixing their styles together to really put on a clinic in a match that would seem to send the fans home happy, had it not been for Randy Orton cashing in right after.

With both men brought to their absolute limit, and Money in the Bank cash-ins aside, this was a match of terrific spots and all-around great wrestling.

Unforgiven 2006: John Cena vs Edge(c)

At #1 we have John Cena vs Edge for the WWE Championship in a TLC match at Unforgiven 2006. I don't know if it's the nostalgia of the whole matter, or if it's the fact that I miss this state of WWE, but this is by far my favorite John Cena championship match.

Both competitors lived up to their names in this match, that being #1 contender, and Champion. John Cena showed everyone that he was worthy to hold the WWE Championship yet another time. Edge showed everyone that he was indeed a fighting champion despite the losing effort.

TLC matches are about taking chances, and these men did just that and more. While Edge did lose in his hometown, the match itself was an amazing contest of two competitors not wanting to play second fiddle to one another.