Top 5 best John Cena promos that shook the WWE universe
Image via WWE
John Cena isn't just a 17-time world champion in WWE, he's one of the sharpest minds ever to grace the microphone. Over the years, Cena has cut several promos that didn't just elevate rivalries but also defined eras in WWE storytelling.
From blistering roasts to deeply personal exchanges, his mic work has helped build matches that fans remember long after the bell has rung. Here's a look at the top 5 promos by Cena that shook the WWE universe.
1. The Pipebomb reversal on CM Punk - SmackDown, June 2025
FULL SEGMENT: John Cena recreates CM Punk's famous 'pipebomb': SmackDown, June 20, 2025
In a stunning moment on SmackDown, Cena flipped the script on CM Punk's iconic 2011 'Pipebomb.' After laying Punk out, Cena climbed a turnbuckle and launched into a scathing monologue. He dismissed Punk's rebel image, calling him a 'millionaire capitalist' and sarcastically greeted names like Claudio Castagnoli and Matt Cardona - a direct nod to Punk's past associations.
The promo struck a balance between real-life resentment and in-character heat, setting the stage for their high-stakes clash at Night of Champions.
2. Eviscerating Roman Reigns - Raw, August 2017
Watch the uncut war of words between John Cena and Roman Reigns: Raw, Aug. 28, 2017
In what is now known as a live 'promo school' session, Cena exposed Reigns' weaknesses in front of a packed arena. When Reigns forgot his lines mid-segment, Cena's impromptu jab - 'It's called a promo, kid. If you want to be the big dog, you're gonna have to learn how to do them' - instantly became legendary.
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Undo
It was raw, real, and Cena at his most unforgiving.
3. The Rock wrist note promo - Raw, February 2012
Raw: The Rock responds to John Cena and weighs in on their
Ahead of their "Once in a Lifetime" match at WrestleMania 28, Cena cut deep into The Rock's credibility. Spotting notes written on Rock's wrist, Cena mocked him live on TV, challenging the authenticity of the People's Champ. It was bold, controversial, and put Cena in the rare position of outclassing The Rock on the mic.
4. Heel turn justified - Raw, March 2025 (Brussels)
FULL SEGMENT: John Cena TRASHES the WWE Universe until Cody Rhodes fires back: Raw, March 17, 2025
Following his shocking betrayal of Cody Rhodes, Cena delivered a searing promo that blamed the WWE Universe for turning on him.
Likening fans to a 'toxic relationship,' he didn't just justify the heel turn - he made it feel heartbreakingly rational. The crowd's stunned silence said it all.
5. Breaking down Austin Theory - Raw, March 2023
FULL SEGMENT — John Cena accepts Austin Theory's WrestleMania challenge: Raw, March 6, 2023
Facing Theory ahead of WrestleMania 39, Cena brutally dissected his opponent's character, popularity, and potential. With lines like 'They don't believe in you because you don't believe in yourself,' Cena stripped Theory of any remaining mystique. It was a tough love lesson on wrestling psychology, in real time.
From roasts to reality checks, Cena's promos have stood the test of time - and continue to shape the WWE landscape.
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