John Cena retired after a long farewell tour last year. Many people now call the 48-year-old the “Greatest Of All Time.” Here are the reasons why his career and work outside the ring make that case.
Career and Championships
Cena’s list of titles is hard to match. He is a 17-time World Champion, the most in wrestling history. He is also a Grand Slam Champion, having held the United States, Intercontinental, and tag team titles. Cena had a long, dominant WWE Heavyweight Championship run that lasted 380 days from 2006 to 2007.
He won the Royal Rumble twice and won Money in the Bank one time. Cena also main-evented WrestleMania six times. He has the second-most WWE Premium Live Event appearances in history, behind only Randy Orton.
In-ring Style and Storytelling
Cena was not always seen as the best technical wrestler. Stars like Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, and CM Punk often earned praise for their in-ring skill. Cena used different strengths to stay at the top.
He was a strong talker and storyteller. Cena could rap as the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” deliver long, heated promos with Triple H, or go head-to-head on the mic with The Rock. These moments helped fans care about his matches, win or lose. He also stayed mostly healthy, returning quickly from injuries, including a surprise return at the 2008 Royal Rumble.
Connection with Fans and Outside Work
One major reason fans respect Cena is his work off-screen. He lived the values he promoted in WWE: hustle, loyalty, and respect. Cena spent time meeting fans, visiting children in hospitals, and helping those who needed hope.
He holds a Guinness World Record for granting the most wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He continued this work during his farewell tour. Cena also gives advice on interviews and podcasts and uses those moments to share life lessons with his audience.
Why People Call Him the G.O.A.T.
Some fans loved Cena’s title wins, while others grew tired of seeing him at the top. Still, his championship count, long run at the top, and big moments make him a strong candidate for G.O.A.T. status.
Beyond championships, Cena’s ability to connect with people, his loyalty to fans, and his charity work set him apart. Whether you agreed with his role on TV or not, Cena proved he could carry the company and inspire many people both inside and outside the ring.
