John Cena’s Wrestlepalooza Loss: A Strategic Move or a Sign of the Times?
John Cena’s defeat at the hands of Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025, sparked considerable debate among wrestling fans. Described as potentially “one of the worst matches” of Cena’s farewell tour, the bout received a dismal 2.19/10 rating on Cagematch. But Cena himself suggests the loss wasn’t simply a poor performance, but a calculated decision.
The Narrative Behind the Squash Match
In a recent interview with the “No-Contest Wrestling Podcast,” Cena explained the reasoning behind the outcome. He stated that a better match with Lesnar wouldn’t have served the intended narrative. The goal, according to Cena, was to emphatically re-establish Lesnar as a dominant force. He described the match as an “exhibition” designed to demonstrate Lesnar’s seriousness.
Lesnar’s Return and Cena’s Role
Brock Lesnar hadn’t competed in two years prior to Wrestlepalooza. His return following his attack on John Cena after Cena’s loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, and a subsequent F5 to both Cena and Sami Zayn on SmackDown, signaled a renewed aggression. Cena’s loss at Wrestlepalooza appears to have been a key component in solidifying this return.
A History of Confrontations
The rivalry between Cena and Lesnar has a long history. Prior to Wrestlepalooza, Lesnar held a 4-2 advantage in one-on-one contests against Cena. Their last one-on-one match before Wrestlepalooza was at Night of Champions 2014, which Cena won by disqualification. This history adds weight to the significance of Lesnar’s victory at Wrestlepalooza, particularly as Cena nears retirement.
The Future of WWE Storytelling
Cena’s comments raise questions about the evolving role of established stars in modern wrestling. Is sacrificing a legend’s win record justifiable to elevate another performer? The Wrestlepalooza match suggests WWE is willing to prioritize long-term narrative building, even if it means a controversial outcome in the short term.
The Impact of Streaming on Match Outcomes
Wrestlepalooza was streamed live on the ESPN App in the U.S. And on Netflix internationally. The increasing prominence of streaming platforms may influence how WWE crafts storylines and match results, catering to a broader, potentially less familiar audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the score of the John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar match on Cagematch? The match received a score of 2.19/10.
- Where did the John Cena interview take place? The interview was on the “No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.”
- When did John Cena and Brock Lesnar last have a one-on-one match before Wrestlepalooza? Their last one-on-one match was at Night of Champions 2014.
Watch the full interview with John Cena here:
Photo Credit: WWE
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