John Cena’s Final RAW Match and the Legacy of Advice to His Opponents: A Look Back at the Cenation Leader’s Impact
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, few names hold as much weight as John Cena. For over a decade, Cena has been the face of WWE, guiding the company through the highs and lows of its modern era. As an undeniable force in the wrestling world, Cena’s charisma, in-ring skills, and larger-than-life personality helped define WWE during his prime. His “Never Give Up” motto resonated with millions of fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential superstars in WWE history.
But like all legends, Cena’s time in the ring has evolved. With a successful Hollywood career that has taken him to major blockbuster films like Fast & Furious and Peacemaker, Cena’s wrestling appearances have become increasingly rare. In fact, after his spectacular rise to superstardom, Cena’s in-ring presence became more sporadic. As the years have gone on, Cena’s time on WWE’s roster has been limited to special appearances, particularly around WrestleMania season or during special moments that WWE uses to elevate storylines.
However, even as his schedule with WWE has lightened, Cena’s impact and influence on the company are still felt by everyone he crosses paths with—especially the superstars he faces in the ring. This was made clear during John Cena’s final match on RAW, which took place in 2024. On the April 8th episode of RAW, Cena made a return to action, teaming up with The Miz and R-Truth to take on Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh, Finn Balor, and Dominik Mysterio in a thrilling six-man tag team match.
The match started as a handicap contest, with Cena’s team at a numerical disadvantage. The Judgment Day trio took advantage early, utilizing their superior numbers to maintain control. However, when Cena’s entrance music hit, the arena erupted in a wave of excitement. The “Cenation Leader” made his grand return to the squared circle, evening the odds and providing the jolt of energy that only Cena can deliver.
This match, however, was more than just another action-packed encounter. It served as one last chance for Cena to share his wisdom and experience with the younger generation of WWE superstars—something Cena has done throughout his career. One of his then-opponents, JD McDonagh, opened up about the advice he received from Cena ahead of their match. McDonagh, still a rising star in the company, shared that Cena’s words had a profound effect on him, and the advice he received encapsulated the type of mentor Cena has always been, both in and out of the ring.
Cena’s Role as a Mentor: Advice That Resonates
John Cena’s time in WWE has been marked not just by his in-ring accomplishments, but by his role as a mentor to the younger generation. As Cena’s career progressed and his matches became fewer, he began to take on a more significant leadership role within the company, guiding future stars with his unmatched experience. One of Cena’s defining traits has always been his ability to balance his own rise with the importance of helping others elevate their game.
As a multi-time World Champion and a fan favorite, Cena’s credibility in the ring has never been in question. But what sets him apart is his willingness to share his insights with others, understanding that the next wave of WWE talent must be nurtured and given the tools to succeed. Whether in backstage conversations, interviews, or even in the heat of competition, Cena has never shied away from imparting wisdom to his fellow superstars.
When asked about the advice Cena shared ahead of their match, JD McDonagh revealed that Cena encouraged him to trust his instincts and to remember the importance of consistency in his performances. Cena, with his years of experience, recognized McDonagh’s potential and stressed the importance of believing in himself. According to McDonagh, Cena told him, “You’ve got everything you need, but you’ve got to trust in the work you’ve put in. Be consistent, keep learning, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.”
This type of advice is a hallmark of Cena’s approach to mentoring. He’s always been someone who preaches the value of hard work, determination, and self-confidence. And it’s this guidance that has been a key part of his legacy in WWE. While Cena’s Hollywood career has pulled him away from the ring, his influence within the locker room has never been more important.
The Evolution of Cena’s WWE Career
John Cena’s transformation from a wrestler to a global superstar has been nothing short of remarkable. For several years, Cena was WWE’s poster boy, the top face of the company, and the man fans could count on to carry the weight of the company on his shoulders. His WWE Championship reigns became the centerpiece of countless storylines, and his rivalry with other icons like Randy Orton, Edge, and The Rock helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in history.
Cena’s versatility inside the ring allowed him to adapt to various opponents and situations, further endearing him to fans. His character shifted from the “Doctor of Thuganomics” to a more family-friendly hero who embodied the values of hard work and perseverance. This transformation was critical to Cena’s success, as he became a beloved figure to fans of all ages.
However, as Cena’s popularity continued to grow, so did his aspirations outside of WWE. His crossover into Hollywood was a natural evolution. Cena’s charm, wit, and on-screen presence made him a perfect fit for film and television, and he quickly found success in projects like The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious, and the Peacemaker series.
As Cena’s Hollywood career flourished, his appearances in WWE became more sporadic. In 2022, Cena wrestled in just one match—his iconic showdown against Austin Theory at WrestleMania 38. The following year, Cena made three televised appearances but did not compete in the ring until his return in 2024, setting up his final match on RAW in April.
Cena’s Match at RAW: A Nostalgic Return to Action
The April 8, 2024 episode of RAW was a major event for WWE fans, as it marked John Cena’s return to the ring for what would turn out to be his last match on the flagship show. After the handicap match began, it seemed like The Miz and R-Truth were at a disadvantage against the Judgment Day members JD McDonagh, Finn Balor, and Dominik Mysterio. The situation was grim for Cena’s team, but the moment Cena’s familiar theme music echoed through the arena, the crowd erupted in pure excitement.
Cena charged to the ring, his energy infectious, and he quickly made his presence felt, leveling the playing field and offering his opponents a new challenge. His entrance was a reminder of why he’s such a legend in WWE—his ability to captivate an audience and get the crowd behind him is unparalleled. Cena’s actions in the match reflected his years of experience, as he seamlessly blended his signature moves with the veteran tactics that helped him stay relevant in WWE over the years.
Though the match may not have been as long or as physically demanding as some of Cena’s other legendary bouts, it was special for its significance. Cena’s return to the ring marked not only his final appearance on RAW but also a pivotal moment for the WWE Universe to witness the impact Cena’s had on his colleagues—particularly the younger talent like JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio. Cena’s leadership in the match was evident, as he used the moment to elevate the rising stars in the match while giving the fans one last look at the Cena they know and love.
What’s Next for John Cena?
While WrestleMania 41 may very well be Cena’s last opportunity to compete on the grand stage of them all, fans should not expect Cena to disappear from the WWE Universe entirely. Cena has always been deeply connected to the fans, and whether he’s wrestling or not, he remains a symbol of what WWE stands for—hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness. Whether Cena returns to WWE for special appearances or as a mentor, his legacy in the company will live on.
His last match on RAW may have marked the end of an era, but Cena’s impact on WWE will continue to inspire and shape future generations of superstars. And with the advice he shared with up-and-coming talent like JD McDonagh, it’s clear that Cena’s legacy is far from over.
