John Cena, one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, has had a storied career filled with triumphs, championships, and countless memorable moments. However, like any great athlete, Cena’s career has also been marked by some devastating losses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at WWE’s ranking of John Cena’s top 10 most heartbreaking losses, exploring each moment that left fans and Cena himself reeling.
1. **Lost to The Rock at WrestleMania 28**
Arguably the most heartbreaking loss in John Cena’s career occurred at **WrestleMania 28**, where he faced the “Great One,” The Rock, in what was dubbed the “Once in a Lifetime” match. This monumental bout was a clash between two of the most beloved and electrifying superstars in WWE history. Cena entered the match with an incredible amount of pressure, carrying the weight of being the face of WWE at the time.
The match was an emotional rollercoaster, with Cena fighting hard to earn his redemption against the man who had left WWE to pursue Hollywood. However, despite Cena’s best efforts, The Rock managed to defeat him with a thunderous Rock Bottom. The loss was a major blow to Cena’s career, as it not only denied him the chance to prove himself as the top dog in WWE but also marked a passing of the torch moment for The Rock.
For Cena, this loss was more than just a defeat; it was a wake-up call that even the most dominant wrestlers can fall short. It was a loss that haunted him for years to come, leading to his eventual rematch with The Rock at **WrestleMania 29**, where Cena finally got his revenge.
1. **Lost to Wade Barrett and Had to Join The Nexus**
In one of the most shocking moments in Cena’s career, he found himself forced to join **The Nexus** after a devastating loss to Wade Barrett at **SummerSlam 2010**. Cena had been a cornerstone of WWE for years, a symbol of resilience and hope for fans. However, after losing to Barrett in a match that required Cena to join The Nexus as a member, Cena’s entire persona was at risk.
The Nexus, a group of rookies who debuted on WWE’s main roster, had taken the WWE Universe by storm with their ruthless attacks and rebellious nature. Cena, who had always represented everything the Nexus despised, was now forced to work with them, going against everything he stood for. This storyline marked one of the most emotionally turbulent periods in Cena’s career.
The loss to Barrett was a turning point for Cena, as it forced him to reevaluate his role in WWE and his ability to overcome seemingly impossible odds. Despite the heartache of joining the Nexus, Cena eventually found a way to break free from the group, reaffirming his role as the leader of the Cenation.
1. **Lost to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam 2021**
When **Roman Reigns** took on John Cena at **SummerSlam 2021**, it was billed as a dream match between two of WWE’s biggest stars. Reigns, who had become the dominant Universal Champion, was on an unstoppable run, while Cena was returning for a high-profile match after a long hiatus from WWE. The match was expected to be a classic, with both superstars bringing their best to the ring.
However, despite Cena’s valiant effort, Reigns emerged victorious in a decisive fashion. The loss marked Cena’s return to WWE as a reminder that even legends like him have their limitations. For many fans, this loss felt like a passing of the torch from Cena to Reigns, solidifying Roman’s place at the top of WWE.
This match was particularly heartbreaking because it seemed like Cena, who had always been known for overcoming the odds, was unable to overcome the might of Reigns. It was a stark reminder that even the most iconic superstars can be outmatched when facing a force of nature like Roman Reigns.
1. **Eliminated by Jey Uso at Royal Rumble 2025**
In one of the most unexpected moments of the **Royal Rumble 2025**, Cena found himself eliminated by none other than **Jey Uso**. Jey, who had previously been known as part of the Samoan family faction with his cousin Roman Reigns, had not yet solidified himself as a major singles competitor. However, in a shocking twist, Jey eliminated Cena, a moment that left fans stunned.
The Royal Rumble is one of the most prestigious matches in WWE, with the last man standing earning a title shot at **WrestleMania**. Cena’s early elimination at the hands of Jey Uso seemed like an insult to the legacy of the Cenation leader. It was a loss that left Cena questioning his place in WWE and whether he could continue competing at the top level.
The loss to Jey Uso was especially painful because it felt like a symbolic passing of the baton to a new generation of WWE Superstars, with Cena’s time at the top of WWE seemingly coming to an end.
1. **Lost to Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel 2024**
At **Crown Jewel 2024**, John Cena faced off against the rising star **Solo Sikoa**, who had become a key player in the **Bloodline** faction alongside Roman Reigns. Cena, who was looking to prove he still had what it took to compete with the young stars of WWE, found himself overpowered by the hard-hitting Sikoa.
Sikoa’s victory over Cena at Crown Jewel was a significant moment in WWE, as it marked the rise of a new star who had the potential to become one of WWE’s top performers in the future. For Cena, this loss was a reminder that the younger generation was coming up fast and that his place at the top was no longer guaranteed.
It was heartbreaking for Cena to lose to Sikoa, a relatively new star, but it also showcased the changing landscape of WWE and the arrival of new talent who were eager to make their mark.
1. **Lost to Triple H on RAW on October 19, 2009**
**Triple H**, one of the most decorated and respected superstars in WWE history, handed John Cena one of his most painful defeats on **RAW** on October 19, 2009. In a highly anticipated match between the two, Cena was unable to overcome the cerebral assassin, who used his tactical genius to outsmart Cena.
This loss was significant because Cena had been on a roll at the time, and a victory over Triple H would have solidified his place as the top face in WWE. However, the defeat was a sobering reminder that Cena still had much to prove and that even the most established stars could fall short.
1. **Lost to Bray Wyatt at Extreme Rules 2014**
At **Extreme Rules 2014**, Cena faced off against Bray Wyatt in a brutal **steel cage match**. The match was one of the most emotionally charged contests of Cena’s career, with Wyatt’s eerie mind games and psychological manipulation taking center stage. Wyatt defeated Cena in a highly controversial finish, leaving Cena devastated.
The loss was particularly painful for Cena, as it forced him to confront the fact that his usual methods of overcoming adversity weren’t enough against someone as unpredictable and dangerous as Bray Wyatt. Wyatt’s victory marked a turning point in Cena’s career, as he realized that he needed to adapt his approach to face the darker, more sinister forces in WWE.
1. **Lost to Batista at SummerSlam 2008**
When **Batista** and John Cena collided at **SummerSlam 2008**, the match was one of the most anticipated of the year. Both men were at the height of their careers, and the stakes were high. In a brutal, no-holds-barred battle, Batista managed to defeat Cena, marking one of the most significant losses of Cena’s early career.
The loss to Batista was heartbreaking for Cena, as it came at a time when he was beginning to establish himself as WWE’s top star. Losing to Batista at SummerSlam was a blow to Cena’s momentum, but it also helped him learn valuable lessons about resilience and fighting through adversity.
1. **Eliminated by The Miz at Royal Rumble 2011**
At **Royal Rumble 2011**, John Cena found himself eliminated by none other than **The Miz**, a superstar who had been on the rise in WWE at the time. The Miz’s elimination of Cena was one of the most surprising moments in the match, as Cena was considered a favorite to win. The loss to The Miz marked a significant turning point in Cena’s career, as it showed that even the underdog could defeat the top star.
The Miz’s victory over Cena in the Royal Rumble was a reminder that Cena was not invincible, and it set the stage for their feud later that year, culminating in a WWE Championship match at **WrestleMania 27**.
**10. Lost to CM Punk at SummerSlam 2011**
At **SummerSlam 2011**, Cena faced off against **CM Punk** in one of the most highly anticipated matches in WWE history. The match was billed as a clash between two of the most popular superstars in WWE, and the stakes were incredibly high. Cena, who had been the face of WWE for years, found himself on the losing end of the match against CM Punk, who was in the midst of his historic **”Summer of Punk”** run.
The loss to Punk was significant because it not only denied Cena the championship but also marked the beginning of a new era in WWE, where Punk emerged as the top star in the company. Cena’s defeat at SummerSlam 2011 was a turning point in WWE, as it signified the changing of the guard and the arrival of new stars ready to take over.
**Conclusion**
John Cena’s career has been filled with incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. While he has certainly experienced his share of victories, these top 10 most heartbreaking losses stand as a testament to the challenges and obstacles that even the most iconic superstars must face. Whether it was losing to The Rock at WrestleMania, being forced to join The Nexus, or falling to new talents like Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, Cena has always shown the heart of a true competitor. These losses have shaped his legacy and further solidified his place as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time.