Cena and Lesnar: A Retrospective on Their Legendary Rivalry Ahead of Wrestlepalooza Finale

John Cena and Brock Lesnar are scheduled to clash for what is billed as the final time this weekend at WWE Wrestlepalooza, headlining the debut event of WWE’s new partnership with ESPN for pay-per-view broadcasts. This encounter marks the culmination of a rivalry spanning over two decades, evolving from their early days as promising prospects in developmental territories to their current status as multi-time world champions and undeniable future Hall of Famers. The impending match holds particular significance as it is slated to be among John Cena’s final professional wrestling appearances before his official retirement at year’s end.

The careers of Cena and Lesnar, both originating from the esteemed Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) class of 2002 alongside talents such as Randy Orton and Batista, represent two of the most significant success stories of WWE’s "Ruthless Aggression" era. Despite their parallel ascensions to superstardom, their paths intersected in a singles capacity on only six previous occasions. Lesnar currently holds a 4-2 lead in their head-to-head series. While Cena cannot mathematically bridge this gap in their final encounter, a victory at Wrestlepalooza would represent a significant moral triumph in a rivalry defined by its intensity and physicality. Ahead of this landmark event, a chronological and qualitative review of their previous six singles matches provides critical context for their impending confrontation.

6. SmackDown (September 19, 2002)

The initial singles encounter between John Cena and Brock Lesnar occurred on SmackDown on September 19, 2002, merely months into their respective main roster tenures. At this juncture, their career trajectories diverged sharply. Lesnar, introduced as "The Next Big Thing," had already achieved undisputed WWE Champion status, having conquered established stars like The Rock at SummerSlam just weeks prior. Cena, in contrast, was still searching for a definitive identity, operating prior to the inception of his highly successful "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona.

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While both had trained together in OVW, they had not wrestled each other professionally. Their first match reflected the disparity in their standings. It was largely a squash match, with Lesnar demonstrating overwhelming power and technical superiority. Cena, then a relative unknown, offered minimal resistance against the reigning champion. The bout concluded swiftly with Lesnar delivering his signature F5 maneuver, securing a decisive victory. This match served primarily to reinforce Lesnar’s dominance as WWE’s top champion and underscored Cena’s position as an untested rookie, a stark contrast to the seasoned veterans who will meet at Wrestlepalooza.

5. Backlash (2003)

Seven months following their initial meeting, John Cena and Brock Lesnar clashed again in the main event of Backlash 2003, with the WWE Championship on the line. The intervening period had witnessed a dramatic transformation in Cena’s career. Following considerations for his release from WWE, a creative pivot orchestrated by Stephanie McMahon led to the development of the "Doctor of Thuganomics" gimmick. This character, characterized by rapping promos and distinctive jean shorts, resonated significantly with the audience, propelling Cena rapidly up the card.

Despite Cena’s newfound popularity, which saw him challenging for the company’s premier title less than a year after his character reinvention, the match itself failed to meet the elevated expectations. Running for an extended duration, the bout exposed Cena’s still-developing in-ring capabilities, which had not yet fully caught up to his burgeoning charisma and popularity. The contest was largely a one-sided affair, with Lesnar maintaining control for significant portions. The match culminated in another F5 from Lesnar, who successfully defended his WWE Championship. While a testament to Cena’s rapid ascent, the match’s execution and length rendered it less memorable than other encounters in their rivalry.

4. SmackDown (February 13, 2003)

Positioned chronologically between their initial squash match and the Backlash pay-per-view, their second singles encounter on SmackDown on February 13, 2003, is often cited as their most compelling match of the 2000s. This match occurred during a period where Lesnar was embroiled in a highly acclaimed feud with Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship, making his match against Cena a temporary detour. Cena, meanwhile, was riding a wave of momentum fueled by his "Doctor of Thuganomics" character, which had begun to establish him as a prominent figure on the SmackDown roster.

This encounter showcased a more balanced and engaging dynamic compared to their previous meetings. Lesnar employed his superior wrestling technique and raw physicality to ground Cena, demonstrating the aggressive style that had defined his "Next Big Thing" persona. Cena, however, displayed the resilience and fighting spirit that would become hallmarks of his "Super Cena" character in later years, staging spirited comebacks against the seemingly insurmountable Lesnar. A notable moment saw Cena nearly secure a victory after utilizing his signature chain, only for Lesnar to recover and deliver a decisive F5 for the pinfall. The shorter runtime of this match, in contrast to the extended Backlash bout, allowed for a more focused and enjoyable narrative, effectively laying a blueprint for the "monster vs. underdog" dynamic that would define their future confrontations.

3. Night of Champions (2014)

Following a nine-year hiatus from WWE by Lesnar, during which he achieved considerable success in mixed martial arts, the rivalry between Cena and Lesnar was reignited in 2012. Their encounters in the 2010s demonstrated a significant evolution in both competitors’ careers and in-ring styles. By 2014, Cena had solidified his status as a 15-time world champion and the undisputed face of the company, while Lesnar had returned as "The Beast Incarnate," famously breaking The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania XXX.

Their match at Night of Champions 2014 represented the least compelling of their three encounters during this decade. It followed Lesnar’s dominant victory over Cena at SummerSlam just a month prior, where Lesnar had captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. At Night of Champions, Cena sought redemption. The match was solid but largely familiar, with Cena employing his signature offense and Lesnar responding with his characteristic power moves. Cena notably came close to victory after applying the STF submission hold. However, the finish was inconclusive, as Seth Rollins, then holding the Money in the Bank briefcase, interfered by attacking Cena, resulting in a disqualification. While Cena was awarded the victory, titles cannot change hands via disqualification or count-out, meaning Lesnar retained the championship. This "textbook booking" and non-definitive ending placed the match a step below their other 2010s clashes in terms of overall impact and satisfaction.

2. SummerSlam (2014)

The match at SummerSlam 2014 is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the modern era of WWE and a defining encounter for both John Cena and Brock Lesnar. Lesnar entered the match having achieved unprecedented notoriety by ending The Undertaker’s storied WrestleMania streak, establishing him as an unparalleled force. Cena, holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, was positioned as the company’s stalwart hero, rarely portrayed as vulnerable.

What transpired at SummerSlam was a shockingly one-sided dismantling of Cena by Lesnar. The match introduced and popularized the phrase "Suplex City," coined by Paul Heyman, Lesnar’s advocate, in response to Lesnar’s relentless assault. Lesnar delivered over a dozen German suplexes and two F5s, systematically overwhelming Cena from the opening bell. Cena’s typically resilient comebacks were effortlessly stifled, presenting an unprecedented depiction of the top star being ragdolled. The match concluded with Lesnar decisively capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This brutal and dominant performance by Lesnar redefined his "Beast Incarnate" persona and established a new benchmark for his in-ring style, while simultaneously showcasing Cena’s capacity to absorb immense punishment for the sake of a compelling narrative. The shock value and definitive nature of Lesnar’s victory made it a landmark event.

1. Extreme Rules (2012)

The highly anticipated first singles encounter between John Cena and Brock Lesnar in nine years, at Extreme Rules 2012, is broadly considered the zenith of their rivalry. This match benefited immensely from its unique "box office" atmosphere and the surrounding context of Lesnar’s dramatic return to WWE. Lesnar’s comeback after WrestleMania 28 marked his first WWE match since 2004, following a highly successful career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he became a Heavyweight Champion. Cena, meanwhile, was fresh off his "Once in a Lifetime" main event against The Rock at WrestleMania. The confluence of these factors created an unparalleled sense of anticipation.

The Extreme Rules stipulation was fully utilized, allowing for a level of brutality and violence rarely seen in WWE during that era, including instances of blood, which had become largely taboo. Lesnar, immediately establishing his "Beast Incarnate" persona, brutalized Cena for the majority of the match, delivering a relentless onslaught that set the tone for his dominant booking moving forward. Cena, embodying his "Super Cena" persona, demonstrated extraordinary resilience, absorbing Lesnar’s punishing offense and staging multiple comebacks. The dramatic conclusion saw Cena overcome the odds, delivering an Attitude Adjustment onto the steel steps to secure a hard-fought victory. This match perfectly blended compelling storytelling, intense in-ring action, and unparalleled star power, effectively re-establishing Lesnar as a top-tier threat while affirming Cena’s position as the company’s most resilient hero, setting a high standard for their subsequent encounters.

As John Cena and Brock Lesnar prepare for their final encounter at Wrestlepalooza, their rivalry stands as a testament to two of the most impactful careers in professional wrestling history. The upcoming match not only closes a significant chapter in their individual legacies but also inaugurates a new era for WWE’s pay-per-view distribution, underscoring the enduring appeal and significance of these two legendary competitors.