John Cena has been celebrating his wrestling career by honoring the rivals he’s faced over the years. This sentiment was clear in his recent match against Logan Paul, where Cena performed moves associated with past adversaries such as Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, and Cesaro. The homage continued in a match with Sami Zayn on Smackdown, as Cena executed techniques like Kurt Angle’s Angle Slam and Ankle Lock, CM Punk’s GTS, Kevin Owen’s Pop-Up Powerbomb, and the signature spear of WWE legend Edge, real name Adam Copeland.
Edge recently commented on Cena’s tribute during his conversation with The Score, expressing appreciation for Cena’s nod to their storied rivalry in the early 2000s. He reflected on their immediate chemistry, stating, “For John and I, we’re two guys that met each other at the right time. He needed a bad guy. I needed a good guy. It just clicked.” Despite the uncertainty that can surround wrestling dynamics, the duo’s characters were natural foils, and their partnership helped cement their respective statuses in the WWE echelon.
Edge and Cena’s rivalry is one for the history books, initially marked by Edge’s Money in the Bank cash-in victory over Cena for the WWE Championship at New Year’s Revolution, following a gruelling Elimination Chamber match. Their feud escalated to a memorable TLC match at Unforgiven 2006 and persisted over the years, with their encounters being pivotal in defining each wrestler’s career.
Cena’s tribute not only underscores his respect for fellow wrestlers but highlights how their in-ring dynamics have shaped each other’s legacies. Their collaboration has been instrumental in Cena’s rise as a top-tier WWE icon and Edge’s establishment as a main-event star. Cena’s homage is a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within professional wrestling, illustrating how rivalries in the ring can foster lifelong bonds and friendships.