This weekend at WWE Wrestlepalooza, fans will witness the final chapter in one of pro wrestling’s most iconic rivalries: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. Spanning more than two decades, their feud has charted the rise of two men who transitioned from promising prospects to world champions and, soon, WWE Hall of Famers.
Despite their shared history, Cena and Lesnar have only clashed in six singles matches. Lesnar holds the edge with a 4–2 record, a gap Cena cannot close in their last encounter. Still, for the 16-time world champion, a moral victory in their farewell battle would be a fitting final note.
As anticipation builds, let’s revisit and rank every Cena vs. Lesnar singles showdown, from squash matches to instant classics.
SmackDown (September 19, 2002)
When Cena and Lesnar first collided on SmackDown, both were new to WWE’s main roster. Lesnar had already skyrocketed to the top, holding the Undisputed Championship, while Cena was struggling for traction just weeks away from adopting the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona that would define his career.
Their debut encounter was short-lived. Lesnar dominated, tossing his Ohio Valley Wrestling classmate around before ending things decisively with an F5. It was less a match and more a statement: Brock Lesnar was untouchable.
Backlash (2003)
Seven months later, Cena had reinvented himself as a trash-talking rapper, a transformation that saved his career and shot him up the card. At Backlash 2003, he challenged Lesnar for the WWE Championship in a pay-per-view main event.
But the bout fell flat. Cena’s charisma was undeniable, but his in-ring ability had not yet caught up. The result was a one-sided contest that dragged on too long, ending with another emphatic F5. For Cena, it was a reminder that popularity alone wouldn’t secure victories at the top.
SmackDown (February 13, 2003)
Between their forgettable first and second matches came a far stronger showing on SmackDown. Lesnar briefly stepped away from his feud with Kurt Angle to face Cena, who was rising quickly in popularity.
This contest showcased the blueprint for their future wars: Lesnar’s power and technical dominance versus Cena’s resilience and fighting spirit. Cena nearly stole the win after using his trademark chain, but Lesnar survived and delivered the F5 for the pinfall. Shorter and tighter than their pay-per-view clash, this match hinted at what was to come.
Night of Champions (2014)
By the 2010s, both Cena and Lesnar were seasoned megastars. Their Night of Champions bout, however, was their least memorable from this era.
Cena nearly avenged his SummerSlam humiliation by locking Lesnar in the STF, but Seth Rollins’ interference led to a disqualification. While Cena technically earned the victory, the inconclusive finish and formulaic booking left fans underwhelmed.
SummerSlam (2014)
This is the match that gave the world “Suplex City.” Lesnar dismantled Cena in one of the most lopsided championship matches in WWE history. Over a dozen suplexes and two F5s later, Lesnar reclaimed the WWE title in devastating fashion.
Watching Cena at the peak of his powers reduced to a ragdoll was shocking. The match redefined Lesnar’s modern in-ring style: a brutal, minimalist approach that became both infamous and iconic.
Extreme Rules (2012)
The crown jewel of their rivalry. After Lesnar’s shocking return to WWE following an eight-year absence and a reign as UFC Heavyweight Champion, he squared off against Cena at Extreme Rules 2012.
What followed was a violent, bloody, and unforgettable encounter. Lesnar brutalized Cena with his MMA-inspired offense, while Cena embodied his “Super Cena” persona, enduring everything thrown at him. The match ended with Cena hitting an Attitude Adjustment onto steel steps for the victory.
The atmosphere was electric: Lesnar was a legitimate combat sports destroyer, and Cena was fresh off his blockbuster feud with The Rock. Together, they delivered a match that blended spectacle, brutality, and storytelling into an instant classic.
Final Thoughts
As Cena and Lesnar prepare for their final battle at WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025, their six-match anthology tells the story of two parallel careers that shaped modern WWE. From squash matches to industry-defining showdowns, the rivalry has showcased not just their physical dominance but their ability to evolve with time.
While Lesnar may retire with the upper hand in their series, Cena has already proven he thrives when his back is against the wall. And on Saturday, the world will watch one last time as two of WWE’s all-time greats collide.
