John Cena honored his greatest WWE rivals during his United States Championship match against Sami Zayn on SmackDown (September 5). The 17-time world champion locked in Kurt Angle’s Angle Lock and also hit Zayn with CM Punk’s GTS finishing move.
John Cena’s Instagram Post Clarifies Spear Spot
The 48-year-old also delivered a spear on Zayn but failed to get the three-count before the match ended in a no-contest after Brock Lesnar brutally attacked the pair. But the Beast’s ambush aside, many fans were applauding Cena for acknowledging some of the best foes of his illustrious career.
There was confusion after Cena hit Zayn with the Spear as Michael Cole recalled the soon-to-be-retired WWE legend’s battles with the former ‘Big Dog’ over the years. Cole had interpreted that he had paid homage to Roman Reigns, whom he faced twice on PPV at No Mercy in 2017 and SummerSlam in 2021.
John Cena took to Instagram on Saturday and posted a picture of WWE Hall of Famer Edge preparing to hit his Spear finishing move. This seemingly pointed out that he had used the maneuver as a tribute to the current AEW star, whom he won’t be facing on his Farewell Tour.
Edge, now known as Cope in AEW, was one of Cena’s biggest rivals, in fact, arguably the most important opponent of his career. They were embroiled in a lengthy feud that lasted many years and saw them fight over the world title and produce a TLC classic at Unforgiven in 2006.
Cena’s stance before delivering the move was a replica of how Edge would gear up to spear his opponents. Being unable to face the Rated R Superstar on his tour will probably be the biggest regret.
John Cena’s Tearful Verdict On ‘Good Human’ Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland
Edge was one of the most detestable heels during his WWE run, able to rile up fans with his character portrayal, spoiling a babyface’s rise, including John Cena, after cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at New Year’s Revolution in 2006. But deep down, he is one of the most caring individuals who is obsessed with the pro wrestling business.
That was Cena’s stance on the former 11-time WWE world champion when discussing the 51-year-old back in the summer of 2023. He became emotional during an interview with the company’s media team:
“I really hope everyone watching knows just how gifted, and caring, and amazing Adam is. He’s just a… he’s a good human being, he’s a great human being, he loves sports entertainment. He’s given so much to you guys, and I also think he’s aware of what you’ve given him.”
Adam Copeland was forced to retire back in April 2011 due to a serious neck injury but made a stunning return at the Royal Rumble nine years later. He spent three years making part-time appearances with WWE before his contract expired, and he headed to AEW in September 2023.
Edge will forever be known as one of the catalysts behind Cena’s ascension to the top of the business as the biggest babyface of all-time. Every hero needs a villain and that was the case for the iconic pair.
