Wrestler Profile

John Cena

John Cena defined WWE for the better part of two decades. After debuting in 2002 and finding his voice as a battle-rapping Doctor of Thuganomics, he evolved into the face of the company — a record-tying 16-time world champion whose hustle, loyalty and respect mantra made him a hero to a generation of young fans.

Cena's résumé includes classic rivalries with Edge, Randy Orton, CM Punk and AJ Styles, and his Never Give Up brand became one of the best-selling merchandise lines in company history. He is also famous outside the ring for granting more Make-A-Wish requests than any other individual.

As his Hollywood career took off, Cena shifted to part-time appearances before announcing a farewell run. Every Cena appearance now carries last-time-ever weight, and WrestleRanks fans vote accordingly — his weekly ranking spikes whenever he laces up the boots.

Promotions

John Cena is associated with WWE (2002–2026).

Championship history

PWI rankings history

John Cena has been ranked in the PWI 500 15 times, first at No. 46 in 2002 and most recently at No. 20 in 2018. The highest placement is No. 1, reached in 2006, 2007 and 2013.

Placements by year: 2002 (No. 46), 2003 (No. 12), 2004 (No. 7), 2005 (No. 2), 2006 (No. 1), 2007 (No. 1), 2008 (No. 9), 2009 (No. 3), 2010 (No. 2), 2011 (No. 3), 2012 (No. 3), 2013 (No. 1), 2014 (No. 3), 2015 (No. 2), 2018 (No. 20).

Compiled from the annual rankings published by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. See the 2018 edition.

John Cena in the WrestleRanks rankings

John Cena is tracked as a respected veteran on WrestleRanks. WrestleRanks standings are decided one week at a time, from fan voting and editor input. Read more about how our rankings work, or see the live, interactive profile with weekly rank history and voting on the John Cena ranking page.

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