John Cena’s journey to the main event of WrestleMania 21 was years in the making. After debuting in 2002, he quickly became a fan favorite with his “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona. His freestyle raps, brash confidence, and fighting spirit made him stand out. By early 2005, WWE saw his potential as a future world champion.
His opponent, JBL (John Bradshaw Layfield), was the perfect foil. As WWE Champion, JBL portrayed a wealthy, arrogant tyrant who bullied his opponents. He had held the title for nearly 10 months, making him one of the longest-reigning champions of the era. JBL mocked Cena, calling him a joke and claiming he didn’t belong in the main event.
The feud escalated with intense promos and physical altercations. Cena’s underdog story captivated fans—he represented the everyday person fighting against an oppressive villain. The match was made official: at WrestleMania 21, Cena would challenge JBL for the WWE Championship.
The event, held in Los Angeles, had a Hollywood theme, fitting for Cena’s rising star power. The anticipation was high—could Cena overcome JBL’s dominance and claim his first world title?
How did the match change John Cena’s career?
When the bell rang, JBL took control early. He used his size and experience to wear Cena down, targeting his back with powerful slams and submissions. The crowd cheered every time Cena fought back, showing his resilience.
Cena’s comeback was electric. He dodged JBL’s Clothesline from Hell and delivered his signature moves—the spinning shoulder blocks, the Five Knuckle Shuffle, and finally, the FU (later renamed the Attitude Adjustment). The arena exploded as Cena covered JBL for the three-count.
The victory was a defining moment. John Cena collapsed in joy as confetti rained down. The fans roared—their hero had done it. JBL’s lengthy reign was over, and a new era began. This win solidified Cena as WWE’s next franchise player. He carried the company for over a decade, becoming one of the greatest champions of all time. WrestleMania 21 was the start of his legendary career—a night where the underdog proved he belonged at the top.
20 Years Ago Today At WrestleMania 21 John Cena Defeated JBL To Capture The First Of Many World Championships 🐐 pic.twitter.com/pBrddjjWWa
— Jake 🇵🇸 (@CenaSZNN) April 3, 2025
The match also marked the end of JBL’s dominant run. Though he remained a top heel, this loss shifted WWE’s focus toward fresh stars like Cena. The victory wasn’t just a title change—it was a passing of the torch.
