John Cena Sr. is making it clear where his allegiance lies as his son gears up for his final showdown with Randy Orton at WWE Backlash. The highly anticipated WWE Championship bout, set to go down tonight in St. Louis, will mark the end of Cenas in-ring career as he plans to retire at the end of 2025.
Cena Sr. took to Twitter to share his thoughts just hours before the clash, referencing a brutal moment in the Cena-Orton rivalry the infamous Punt Kick he took from Orton in 2007. Backlash, or will the real champ destroy the legend killer?? Orton/Cena goes way back. I can still feel that kick in the head from Orton, Cena Sr. wrote.
Despite Ortons recent dominance over Cena in the lead-up to Backlash, Cena Sr. is confident his son will leave St. Louis with the title still around his waist. However, it will be the final chapter in the rivalry between 2 greats. Because, The Last Time is Now. My money is on, The Real Champ, he added.
History of John Cena vs. Randy Orton: Their Most Iconic Matches
The rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton is one of the most storied in WWE history, spanning nearly two decades. Heres a look back at some of their most memorable encounters:
- SummerSlam 2007: Orton challenges Cena for the WWE Championship in their first major pay-per-view clash. Cena retains after countering an RKO into an FU.
- Unforgiven 2007: Cena defends the WWE Championship against Orton in a controversial finish that ends in a disqualification, setting the stage for more violent encounters.
- No Mercy 2007: Orton is awarded the WWE Championship by Vince McMahon, only for Cena to interrupt and demand a Last Man Standing Match. Orton wins after punting Cena in the head.
- Royal Rumble 2009: Cena successfully defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Orton after overcoming interference from Legacy members Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.
- Breaking Point 2009: Cena defeats Orton in a brutal I Quit Match for the WWE Championship, forcing Orton to verbally submit.
- Hell in a Cell 2009: Orton regains the WWE Championship from Cena inside the steel structure after a vicious RKO.
- Bragging Rights 2009: Cena and Orton battle in a 60-Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship, with Cena emerging victorious in one of their most grueling encounters.
- Royal Rumble 2014: Orton successfully defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Cena, aided by The Wyatt Familys interference.
- WrestleMania 41 (2025): Cena defeats Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, setting up his final clash with Orton at Backlash.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton Overall Rivalry Record
| Wrestler | Wins | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Cena | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Randy Orton | 4 | 5 | 0 |
Now, with Cenas career winding down, tonights showdown at Backlash will be the last chapter in this epic rivalry. Cena promised that he would make Randy Orton, just like his 2006 drug test: a failure, while Orton has vowed to make Cenas final match a living hell.
Will Cena close out his career with a win over his greatest rival, or will Orton send him packing with one final RKO? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
