John Cena's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John Cena.

John Cena is an American actor and professional wrestler renowned for his career in WWE, where he holds a record 17 world championship reigns, solidifying his status as one of wrestling's all-time greats. Beyond wrestling, Cena has transitioned into acting, starring in films like "The Marine" and "Bumblebee," and leading the TV series "Peacemaker." His success spans both the sports entertainment and acting industries.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: UPW Heavyweight Championship

In 2000, John Cena, wrestling as The Prototype, held the UPW Heavyweight Championship.

2004: United States Championship Win

In 2004, John Cena won the United States Championship at WrestleMania XX on March 14, marking his first singles title in WWE. He was later stripped of the title on July 8.

2005: WWE Championship Win at WrestleMania 21

In 2005, John Cena defeated JBL at WrestleMania 21 to win his first WWE Championship. Earlier that year, at the Royal Rumble, he was a final two participant, simultaneously eliminated with Batista. He earned the title shot by defeating Kurt Angle at No Way Out. He then introduced a customized spinner belt.

2005: Co-presentation at the Teen Choice Awards

In 2005, John Cena served as a co-presenter with Hulk Hogan at the Teen Choice Awards.

October 11, 2008: Hosting the Australian Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards

On October 11, 2008, John Cena hosted the Australian Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards with Natalie Bassingthwaighte in Melbourne.

2008: Royal Rumble Win

In 2008, John Cena won the Royal Rumble match as a surprise return, last eliminating Triple H. He later competed for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XXIV, but was pinned by Randy Orton.

2009: Chris Greicius Celebrity Award

In 2009, John Cena received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award for his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

2010: WWE Championship Reign

In 2010, John Cena regained the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber, lost it to Batista, and then defeated Batista at WrestleMania XXVI to regain the title.

January 27, 2013: Royal Rumble Win

On January 27, 2013, John Cena won his second Royal Rumble match and announced he would pursue the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29.

October 13, 2016: Debut as voice of Ernie the Elephant for Wonderful Pistachios

On October 13, 2016, John Cena made his debut as the voice of Ernie the Elephant in a new commercial campaign launched by Wonderful Pistachios. He was named to Adweek's "Creative 100" and received praise for his performance.

January 24, 2017: Hosting the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

On January 24, 2017, Nickelodeon announced that John Cena would host the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards ceremony on March 11.

January 29, 2017: WWE Championship Win at Royal Rumble

On January 29, 2017, at Royal Rumble, John Cena defeated AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship, tying Ric Flair's record for the most recognized world title reigns at 16.

January 11, 2018: Hosting the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards again

On January 11, 2018, it was announced that John Cena would be hosting the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards ceremony again on March 24, becoming the third host to host the ceremony in back to back years.

June 19, 2018: Settlement with Ford Motor Company

On June 19, 2018, John Cena settled the lawsuit with the Ford Motor Company. Cena agreed to apologize, and Ford agreed to donate the settlement amount to charity.

June 27, 2022: 20th Anniversary Celebration on Raw

On June 27, 2022, John Cena returned on Raw to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his main roster in-ring debut, delivering a promo and interacting with various WWE stars.

2022: Guinness World Record

By mid-2022, the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed that John Cena had granted over 650 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which was more than anyone else, with the second-highest number being fewer than 200 wishes.