When two of WWEâs biggest icons, John Cena and The Undertaker, finally clashed at WrestleMania 34, fans had high expectations. The Phenom, with his legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania, and the franchise player, Cena, were destined for an epic showdown. However, their long-anticipated battle left many fans questioning whether it lived up to the hype. **Was this dream match everything we hoped for, or did it fall short of expectations?** Letâs dive deep into their storied history, the buildup to WrestleMania, and the aftermath of their epic encounter.
### **The Early Years: Two Future Legends on the Rise**
John Cena and The Undertaker started their WWE journeys in different eras, yet their careers eventually intertwined in significant ways.
– **The Undertaker** debuted in WWE at _Survivor Series 1990_, quickly establishing himself as an unstoppable force. His dark persona, supernatural aura, and undefeated WrestleMania streak made him one of WWEâs most feared competitors.
– **John Cena** made his debut in 2002, answering Kurt Angleâs open challenge with âRuthless Aggression.â Over the years, he evolved from the âDoctor of Thuganomicsâ into the face of WWE, winning multiple world championships.
Despite their vastly different personas, both men became defining figures of WWEâs modern era. Their paths crossed multiple times before their eventual WrestleMania showdown.
### **John Cena vs. The Undertaker: Early Encounters**
While many fans remember their WrestleMania clash, Cena and The Undertaker actually faced each other several times in the early 2000s.
– In 2003, a young and cocky John Cena feuded with The Undertaker on _SmackDown_. Cena, still in his rapper persona, disrespected The Deadman, leading to multiple encounters.
– At _Vengeance 2003_, Cena and The Undertaker had a hard-hitting match, with Taker ultimately securing the victory. This was one of Cenaâs first major tests against a WWE legend.
– Throughout the years, they had several tag team and one-on-one matches, but never a true defining rivalryâuntil 2018.
### **The Build-Up to WrestleMania 34**
The long-awaited clash between Cena and The Undertaker began in early 2018. Cena, without a clear path to WrestleMania, issued multiple challenges to The Deadman, calling him out in passionate promos.
– Cena questioned whether The Undertaker still had the fire to compete, taunting him for weeks.
– The Undertaker remained silent, never answering Cenaâs challenge directly.
– With no official confirmation, many fans speculated whether the match would actually happen at WrestleMania 34.
Then, on the grandest stage of them all, The Undertaker finally respondedâbut in an unexpected way.
### **WrestleMania 34: A Match Fans Didnât Expect**
When WrestleMania 34 arrived, John Cena sat in the crowd as a fan, still unsure if The Undertaker would accept his challenge. Suddenly, the lights went out, and The Phenom made his legendary entrance. The match was on
However, what followed was shocking:
– The match lasted **only 2 minutes and 45 seconds**.
– The Undertaker dominated, delivering a **quick and decisive victory** over Cena.
– Cena barely got any offense in, with Taker hitting his signature movesâincluding the Chokeslam and Tombstone Piledriverâbefore pinning him.
Fans were **left stunned**. A match that had years of build-up ended in a squash. **Was this WWEâs way of protecting The Undertakerâs legacy, or did it waste an opportunity for a true epic?**
### **Was WrestleMania 34 a Letdown?**
Many fans expected an all-time classic between two of WWEâs biggest stars. Instead, they got a short, one-sided bout.
– **Why was the match so short?** Reports suggest that The Undertaker was dealing with injuries and wasnât in top condition for a lengthy match.
– **Did WWE drop the ball?** Some believe WWE should have built the match properly instead of keeping it a mystery.
– **Did it hurt Cenaâs legacy?** While Cena is a 16-time world champion, losing in under three minutes to an aging Undertaker seemed like a questionable decision.
Despite these criticisms, some fans argue that The Undertakerâs dominant win was a **fitting way to restore his mystique** after losing to Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns in previous WrestleManias.
### **Could There Be a Rematch?**
Even though both Cena and The Undertaker have shifted focus away from full-time wrestling, WWE has a history of bringing back legends for special matches.
– **Could a rematch happen at a future WrestleMania?** Many fans still dream of seeing a proper Cena vs. Undertaker match with a compelling storyline.
– **Would Cena vs. Undertaker work in Hollywood?** Given both menâs success in movies, a cinematic-style match (similar to Undertaker vs. AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36) could be a possibility.
For now, their WrestleMania 34 bout remains their only major clash on the grandest stage.
### **Legacy of Two WWE Icons**
Regardless of their WrestleMania matchâs reception, both John Cena and The Undertaker remain **two of the most beloved WWE superstars** of all time.
– **John Cena** continues to make occasional WWE appearances while focusing on Hollywood success with roles in _Peacemaker_, _Fast & Furious_, and more.
– **The Undertaker** retired in 2020, leaving behind an unmatched legacy that spans over three decades.
Their careers have defined generations, and while their WrestleMania match may not have been what fans envisioned, their impact on WWE is undeniable.
### **Conclusion: A Rivalry That Deserved More?**
John Cena vs. The Undertaker was one of the most highly anticipated matches in WWE history, but its execution at WrestleMania 34 left many fans wanting more. While the match itself was underwhelming, their legacies as two of WWEâs greatest superstars remain intact.
So, what do you think? **Did WWE miss a golden opportunity with this match? Should Cena and The Undertaker have had a proper feud years earlier? Let us know your thoughts** đđȘ