WWE John Cena vs Randy Orton

John Cena and Randy Orton are the two greatest wrestlers of all time and have a long wrestling history with each other. The 16 time champion and the 14 time champion had battled against each other 16 times since 2005. Here is a complete history of the battle between these two industry veterans.

John Cena vs. Randy Orton Head-To-Head Record

RAW 2005 - Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show

John Cena and Randy Orton wrestled for the very first time at Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show of Raw in 2005 after Eddie’s demise in an exhibition match. John Cena was the WWE Champion at the time and Randy Orton was a heel.

What happened?

John Cena came to the ring with a black T-shirt with “I’m your Papi!” printed on the front and Eddie Guerrero name on the back side. He wrestled throughout the match with the printed T-shirt. Orton came to the ring with his father Bob Orton Jr., and had a EG band on his right arm as a tribute to Eddie Guerrero. The match lasted for about 5 minutes and ended in a disqualification after Bob Orton attacked Cena to prevent Randy Orton from FU (Attitude Adjustment). John Cena then attacked Bob and Randy Orton and hit Randy with FU. Cena laid his T-Shirt with the WWE Championship showing respect to Eddie and left the ring.

When and where did it happen?

The match occurred on the 13 November 2005 episode of Raw at Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match by Disqualification, as Bob Orton attacked cena from the back.

RAW February 7, 2007

John Cena had a love-hate relationship with Shawn Michaels and was said to have a match for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 23. However, Cena and Shawn Michaels had a feud with World tag Team Champions Rated-RKO (Edge and Orton) and resulted in a match between them for the World tag Team Championship on the Raw after Royal Rumble. Cena and Shawn Michaels won the match and became the World tag team Champions. Rated-RKO is about to have the championship rematch next week and Randy is about to have a match the same day against Cena in the main event. On the other hand Shawn Michaels wanted Cena to be safe until Wrestlemania 23 to have a title shot for the WWE Championship.

What happened?

John Cena and Randy Orton fought at the main event of Raw and had a very decent match. Cena tried to attempt his finisher FU (AA) on Orton but Edge attacked Cena with a spear and ended in a disqualification. Edge brought the chairs to rip the head off of Cena, but Shawn Michaels saved Cena from Edge and Randy orton.

When and where did it happen?

The match occurred on 19th February 2007 at Rabobank Arena, Bakersfield, California, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match by disqualification after being attacked by Edge with a spear.

RAW May 7, 2007

After a successful WWE Championship defense against Shawn Michaels, Shawn Michaels turned on Cena and paved the way to lose the World tag Team Championship. Meanwhile The Great Khali and Shawn Michaels had a #1 Contender's match for Cena’s WWE Championship and Khali won the match to fight Cena at Judgement Day.

What happened?

John Cena and Randy Orton wrestled at the main event in a non title match. John Cena had a clear upper hand on the match but was interfered by the #1 contender The Great Khali. The Great Khali walked towards the ring and snatched the WWE Championship from the ringside. Cena was distracted by his act, while performing his submission maneuver on Randy Orton. Cena left the ring to stop The Great Khali from stealing his belt, but Khali attacked Cena with the belt and took the title with him. This caused a no contest to the match and ended the episode of Raw.

When and where did it happen?

The May 7, 2007 episode of raw was held at Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania, United States.

Who won?

No Contest due to The Great Khali’s interference.

SummerSlam 2007

John Cena was not hundred percent with his health conditions as Cena delivered three deadly RKO’s in three days including a RKO on the steel chair. Randy Orton was quite confident that he could pull up a win at SummerSlam as the champ was not in a complete medical condition.

What happened?

Orton and Cena showcased equal dominance however Orton took control for a major part of the match by punishing Cena by choking his neck on multiple attempts. However, Cena has a lot of gas in his tank and gained his momentum at the near end. Cena delivered a Leg Drop on the back of Orton’s neck, Randy tried a punt kick but failed, Cena attempted STF, Orton delivered a RKO and Cena finally managed to put Orton through the Attitude Adjustment to secure the pinfall. The match lasted about 25 minutes long and Cena retained his WWE Championship.

When and where did it happen?

Summerslam was held on 26th August 2007 at Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match by pinfall after an AA (Attitude Adjustment).

Unforgiven 2007

After failing to capture the WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2007, Orton demanded a rematch to the Raw General Manager William Regal and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. But both declined Orton’s request and were said to prove his abilities to face Cena for the WWE Championship. Orton then interfered in Cena’s match on Raw and brutally attacked him and kicked Cena’s father in the head, who was on the ring-side during the match. This resulted in favor of Orton by granting him a WWE Championship re-match at Unforgiven 2007.

What happened?

The match had already been made personal and Cena’s father was on the first row to spectate the brutal war. Cena was extremely angry at Orton to punish Orton to the maximum limit for hitting his father. Cena brutally attacked Orton right from the start and delivered hard punches on him. Referee tried to stop Cena from assaulting Orton, but he wasn’t able to control. However, the referee stopped the match, disqualified Cena and declared Randy Orton as the winner. Orton then started attacking Cena’s father again, and Cena defended his father by delivering his submission hold on Orton. Cena’s dad delivered a punt kick to Randy Orton and left the arena.

When and where did it happen?

The Unforgiven pay-per-view was held on 16th September 2007 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, United States.

Who won?

Randy Orton won the match by disqualification, after a brutal attack by Cena who refused to obey the referee's orders. However, Cena remained as the WWE Champion as disqualification doesn’t make the championship change hands.

No Way Out 2008

John Cena and Randy Orton were originally scheduled to fight at No Mercy on October 7, 2007 in a Last Man Standing Match. However, Cena suffered a pectoral tear and was forced to relinquish the title after 380 days. Randy Orton was crowned as the WWE Champion without a fight by Vince McMahon and gave him a choice to defend the championship against anyone of his choice. Triple H stepped in the ring and demanded a title shot. The championship match was held three times where Triple H won first, defended it on the same day against Umaga and lost to Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing Match. Cena after a pectoral surgery, returned to WWE at Royal Rumble 2008 as the 30th entrance and won. Cena demanded a title shot sooner on No Way Out instead of WrestleMania as he can’t wait to put his hands on Orton. Orton accepted the challenge and offered a title shot at No Way Out.

What happened?

John Cena’s aim was clear and the only goal of his was to recapture the championship which he had never lost during his last reign. However, Orton is ready to do anything to retain the championship. Both Cena and Ortan had equal pops from the WWE universe chanting “Let’s Go Cena” and “Let’s Go Orton”. Orton targeted Cena’s surgically repaired pectoral muscle and had multiple pursuits to injure it again. However, Cena gained the momentum back and started striking back. Orton faked a leg injury to fool the referee to stop the match, but used it as an opportunity to hit Cena with a RKO outside the ring. Orton tried to win by countout, but Cena made his way to the ring at the nine count. Orton then slapped the referee by disqualifying himself to retain the championship with him. Cena got pissed off and hit Orton with an Attitude Adjustment and a STF until Orton became unconscious. Cena was extremely disappointed and Orton was happy to take the gold home with himself.

When and where did it happen?

The No Way Out on 17th February 2008 was held at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match by disqualification, but Orton retained his WWE Championship.

RAW 2008

Triple H won the Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out being the rightful #1 Contender for Randy Orton’s WWE Championship. Triple H kicked off Raw by addressing the crowd and stated that he is back to the position where he belongs and his wish to become a 12 time World Champion at WrestleMania. Orton interrupted Triple H and recalled how he defeated Triple H to become the World Heavyweight Champion 3 years ago. Cena interrupted as well and accused Orton for shattering his Wrestlemania plans. Cena demanded a rematch the same night for the WWE Championship. The Raw General Manager William Regal stopped the argument and gave Cena a non-title match with Orton at the main event the same night with a stipulation. If Cena wins Cena will be added to the WWE Championship Match at Wrestlemania making it a Triple Threat Match. He also added that Triple H will be the special guest referee for the non title match as he is the rightful #1 contender for the championship at Mania.

What happened?

Randy Orton had the match in control until the near end, however Cena gained his momentum and delivered a tough fight at the end. Towards the end Cena hit Orton with a “five knuckle shuffle” and lifted Orton on his shoulder for the Attitude Adjustment, but Orton blocked it with the help of the ropes. Cena then locked Orton with a STF, but Orton grabbed the ropes and Triple H stopped Cena by five count. Triple H and Cena had a quick face off and Cena hit Orton with an AA to win the match and secure his spot at WrestleMania for the WWE Championship. After the match Triple H attacked both Cena and Orton with his finisher “Pedigree” and made a clear statement.

When and where did it happen?

The 18th February 2008 episode of Raw was held at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match by pinning Randy Orton and earned a spot to WrestleMania for the WWE Championship.

RAW 2008

After Ortan retained his WWE Championship at WrestleMania by pinning Triple H. William Regal scheduled a match for the main event between Cena and Orton as Cena has some unfinished business with Orton. Randy Orton was interviewed backstage where he said Cena will know who he is as soon as he showed Triple H who he was at WrestleMania.

What happened?

Randy Orton changed his theme song to “Voices” and made his new theme debut on the main event of the evening. Cena and Orton delivered a tough fight right from the beginning and punished each other. Raw general manager William Regal interfered between the match and called for a special referee to worsen the scenario. JBL was the special guest referee who approached the ring, Cena kicked him out of the ring and lifted Orton to deliver an Attitude Adjustment. But JBL hit Cena from the back by helping Orton win with a faster pinfall count.

When and where did it happen?

The 12th May 2008 episode of Raw was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, United States.

Who won?

Randy Orton won the match by a speed pinfall count by the special guest referee JBL.

SummerSlam 2009

Randy Orton was the WWE Champion at the time and WWE used to have guest hosts for Raw and they create matches on Raw. However on July 27th episode of Raw Shaquille O’ Niel was the guest host and he made a #1 contender match for the WWE Championship in a beat the clock challenge stipulation. Mark Henry set the time of 6.49 minutes by defeating Carlito, superstars including Triple H, MVP and Jack Swagger failed to defeat their opponents within the time limit. However, Cena secured a win against The Miz within the time limit and became the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship.

What happened?

Orton took control of the match during the initial part of the match for the first 10 minutes. Cena soon gained the momentum after Orton failed to hit a punt kick on Cena’s head. However, Orton pushed the referee to retain his championship similar to what he did a year ago. Lilian Garcia then announced that she had received a message from Vince, that the match will be restarted and if Orton gets disqualified again, he will lose the championship. Orton was extremely upset about the restart, but this time he walked out of the ring to retain the championship by count out. But ring announcer Lilian Garcia again announced that Vince McMahon has ordered to restart the match again. And also stated that if Orton loses by count out again he will lose the Championship. Orton then entered the ring and pinned Cena with the help of the rope and the match restarted again. Cena locked Cena with a STF but got interrupted by an unknown guy in the middle of the match. Cena got distracted, which led Orton to deliver an RKO and secure a pinfall to retain the championship.

When and where did it happen?

The 2009 SummerSlam was held on 23rd August 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Who won?

Randy Orton won the match by pinfall to retain his championship after a disqualification, countout and a false pin.

Breaking Point 2009

After multiple restart to the match at SummerSlam 2009 between Orton and Cena, Vince awarded Cena with a rematch on Breaking Point with a special stipulation of an “I Quit Match”. He also added to the statement that, if anyone came to the aid of Orton, the championship would be stripped from Orton by declaring Cena as the Champion. Cena has a lot of advantage this time and this has become a headache for Orton.

What Happened?

Both John Cena and Randy Orton started punishing each other right from the start. Orton hit Cena on the face with a commentary table monitor and attempted to RKO Cena through the chair and hit him with the punt kick but Cena escaped. Orton continued to punish Cena by stomping Cena's head on the Steel Steps, but Cena hesitated to quit. Orton handcuffed Cena to the ring post and started punishing him brutally with the kendo sticks and steel chair. Although Cena suffered brutal pain, he refused to quit. Cena snatched the key from Orton to release himself from the ring post and handcuffed Orton on the other end of the handcuff. Cena used the handcuff to STF and made Orton say "I Quit" to become the new WWE Champion.

When and where did it happen?

The Breaking Point was held on 13th September 2009 at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Who won?

John Cena won the championship as Randy Orton said “I Quit” to Cena’s handcuffed STF. Thus Cena became the new WWE Champion.

Hell In A Cell 2009

After losing his title to Cena in an I Quit Match at the Breaking Point, Orton earned his rematch at Hell in a Cell from the special guest host Trish Stratus. On the final Raw before Hell in a Cell, Cena had a Gauntlet Match with Jericho, Bigshow and Randy Orton. Jericho and Big Show assaulted Cena and paved their way to Randy Orton for the 3rd round of the gauntlet match. Orton came with a plan to attack Cena, however Cena raised his hands towards the sky and the Cell lowered down. Orton tried to escape the cell but Cena grappled him down and stopped Orton from doing so. Orton somehow escaped the cell and both climbed to the top of the 20 foot tall cell, where Cena hit Orton with an AA.

What Happened?

John Cena and Randy Orton took their rivalry to the next level when they faced off for the WWE Championship inside Hell In A Cell. This is the last opportunity for Orton to grab the WWE Championship. Randy Orton took control of the match most of the time and punished Cena with the help of the cell. Cena took control of the mid-match and locked Orton with his submission maneuver STF. Orton tapped to Cena's STF but the referee was unconscious, this made Orton recover and hit Cena with an RKO. Orton then punt kicked Cena to win the championship again.

When and where did it happen?

The 2009 Hell In A Cell Match was held on 04th October 2009 at Prudential Center in New York, New Jersey, United States.

Who won?

Randy Orton won the match by pinfall after a punt kick and became the WWE Champion once again.

Bragging Rights 2009

On Raw after Hell in a Cell, Cena challenged Orton for a one last match for the WWE Championship, but in a 60 minutes Iron Man Match, where the person with the most victories within the allotted time is considered as the winner . To accept the challenge Orton added a few more stipulations to the match that if Cena loses, he should leave Raw and the match will be on anything goes, falls count anywhere terms.

What happened?

After a Tom and Jerry battle for the WWE title between the two top stars of the company, the 60 Minute Ironman Match has been a visual treat for the WWE fans.

Cena took the first win by submission within the first 4 minutes, where Orton strategically tapped to Cena sooner when STF was locked to avoid pain and suffering.

Orton took the first win for himself by pinfall after a RKO by making (1-1) in the 10th minute.

Orton brutally attacked Cena to make him weak for the rest of the time. He attacked Cena with a television monitor, and a Microphone to the head. Cena got busted open and started bleeding. Orton added further wound to the injury by continuous attack on the head. However, Cena hit Orton with a five knuckle shuffle and lifted Orton for an AA, where Orton countered it into a RKO. Both laid down with hands on each other making it a double pinfall on the 18th minute. Thus the score becomes (2-2).

Cena was treated by the medical team and they made the bleeding to pause. Cena took control of the next 2 minutes and took the lead (3-2) by pinning Orton in the 20th minute after a Super AA from the ropes.

Cena was attacked by Orton's stable Legacy (Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase) which helped Orton to equal the score (3-3) by pinfall within the next minute.

Kofi Kingston with a Steel Chair took Rhodes and Ted Dibiase away from the ringside. Orton and Cena fought their way towards the pyro control side and Orton threw Cena towards the lights. Which helped Orton to take the lead (3-4) on the 26th minute of the match.

Orton hit Cena with a Steel Chair and tried to burn Cena with pyros on the entrance side. But Cena rolled out to escape the pyros, Orton went mad and brutally attacked Cena with every possible way. But Cena rolled out Orton to steal a win and equaled the score (4-4).

Orton couldn't tolerate this loss and hit Cena with hard shots. Orton then choked Cena and hit a DDT on the floor and took lead (4-5) by pinfall within the next 2 minutes.

After taking a lead Orton tried to waste the time by distancing him from Cena. Cena chased Orton to the spectators area and brought him back to the ringside. Cena took control of the next 10 minutes by assaulting Orton. Cena hit Orton with a AA over the commentary table and pulled out an equalizer (5-5).

Cena tried to pin Orton again but Orton kicked out so he pulled out a table and laid Orton over it. He jumped from the top rope but Orton rolled out. Orton recovered quickly and hit Cena with a RKO but the referee was unconscious, another referee arrived but Cena kicked out. Orton lost his mind and knocked the referee. Orton attempted to punt but Cena countered with a STF. Where Orton tapped on the last 4 seconds and Cena won the championship by (6-5) lead at the end of 60 minutes.

When and where did it happen?

The Bragging Rights ppv was held on 25th October 2009 in Mellon Arena at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match by (6-5) and won the WWE Championship. Thereby concluding their WWE title feud.

TLC 2013

The two Greatest Wrestlers of All Time, John Cena the World Heavyweight Champion and Randy Orton the WWE Champion wrestle to unify the Championship and prove who is the real face of the company. Cena won the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series and confronted Orton the same night after Orton retained his WWE Championship from Big Show. The two had a face to face look down on Raw and Triple H announced a unification match at TLC in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match where the winner takes all.

What happened?

Cena and Orton battled for the first time since 2009 fighting for the championship yet again. Both showcased a decent fight and punished each other in every possible ways. The match lasted for almost 30 minutes full of excitement and suffering, which reminded them of their long time feud in 2009. Orton handcuffed Cena to the ropes to hinder his movement, but Cena unhooked the turnbuckle to release himself from the ropes. However, Orton pulled the ropes to let Cena down and Orton then climbed the ladder to grab the championship.

When and where did it happen?

The 2013 TLC was held on 15th December 2013 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, United States.

Who won?

Randy Orton, won the match and became the first unified WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Royal Rumble 2014

After Orton winning the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at TLC 2013, Cena got his rematch at Royal Rumble 2014 in a traditional match. Two weeks later Orton got defeated by Kofi Kingston in a non-title match at Raw, which made Orton frustrated. As a result, Orton attacked Cena’s father who was on the ring side for an event, making the feud personal.

What happened?

Cena had a mixed crowd pop throughout the match and ironically cheered Orton who was a heel at the time. Both delivered a tough fight, Orton meanwhile tapped to Cena’s STF but was not counted as the referee was unconscious. Orton used the opportunity to hit Cena with the championship, but Cena kicked off. They then hit their finishers but were kicked out, they used each other’s moves, where Orton used STF and AA on Cena and Cena used RKO on Orton but wasn't able to finish the match. Cena locked Orton with the STF but the light went off and Wyatt distracted Cena. Orton used this opportunity to RKO Cena and retain his championship by pinfall. After the match The Wyatt Family assaulted Cena with three on one advantage.

When and where did it happen?

The 2014 Royal Rumble was held on 26th January at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

Who won?

Randy Orton retained his WWE World Heavyweight Championship after The Wyatt Family’s distraction.

Hell In A Cell 2014

Cena and Orton were put in a match on Hell in a Cell pay per view inside the Hell in a Cell for a #1 Contender’s match to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

What happened?

Orton took the initial control of the match and punished Cena with chairs, tables, steel steps and cell. Cena pulled an equal fight by countering Orton’s move and exchanged punches. They threw hard beatings on each other with tables, chairs, steel steps, etc. The match was a near 30 minute war, where Cena won the match by throwing Orton through the table from a top rope AA.

Where and when did it happen?

The 2014 Hell in a Cell was held on 26th October at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, United States.

Who won?

John Cena won the match to become the #1 Contender to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

SmackDown Live 2017

The 2017 Royal Rumble Winner Randy Orton defeated the WWE Champion John Cena the past week in a tag team match. However they faced each other as a preview of the WrestleMania main event.

What happened?

John Cena and Randy Orton had a match on the main event of SmackDown Live and was spectated by Bray Wyatt near the ring. The match was average and not quite as good as their previous rivalries. After an AA and RKO by both Cena and Orton, Bray Wyatt attacked Cena and hit him with Sister Abigail. Luke Harper turned on Wyatt and left the ring, while Orton stood with Wyatt.

When and where did it happen?

The 7th February episode of SmackDown was held at KeyArena in Seattle, Washington DC, United States.

Who won?

John Cena