What Are John Cena’s Top Five Title Reigns in WWE?
As the dates left on John Cena’s retirement tour continue winding down, we remember all the accomplishments he had over his career. From winning 17 World Championships to main-eventing WrestleMania six different times, John Cena has nearly done it all in WWE. Whenever you think of Cena, you immediately think of him with a championship around his waist. Cena has had his fair share of championship reigns, but we’re taking a look at five of his best title reigns in the WWE.
5. First World Heavyweight Championship (2008-2009)
Although Cena’s World Heavyweight Championship reigns aren’t as memorable as his other reigns with the WWE Championship, his first reign with the Big Gold Belt was special, as it came at a time when Cena was returning from a neck injury. Cena would challenge Chris Jericho for the title at Survivor Series 2008 and have his hand raised at the end of the night. His reign would only last 84 days, but it helped set up a WrestleMania feud between Edge, The Big Show, and himself. One of the most memorable moments of this title reign was when he lost it after Edge stole an entry spot in the Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out 2009 and eliminated Cena early in the match to guarantee a new champion.
4. 17th World Championship (2025)
When John Cena announced his retirement tour at Money in the Bank 2024, many people wondered if Cena would break the deadlock with Ric Flair for the most world title reigns in WWE. After coming up short in the Royal Rumble match, Cena had to find his way into the main event of WrestleMania by winning the Elimination Chamber. What followed was a win and one of the craziest heel turns of our generation. This culminated in Cena winning his record-breaking 17th world title against Cody Rhodes. The heel turn might have died down over time, but his reign was memorable with successful defenses against former rivals Randy Orton and CM Punk. Cena even earned a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer for his performance against Rhodes in a Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025, where Cena was on the losing end. It might seem too soon to list this title reign, but in a few years, it will go down as one of Cena’s more entertaining times with the world title.
3. First WWE Championship (2005-2006)
You never forget your first. Cena reached the top of the mountain at WrestleMania 21 when he defeated JBL to become the WWE Champion. Cena’s stardom had already reached new heights, and it was only fitting that he lift the company title and become the new face of the company. His move to RAW helped elevate the WWE Championship as the number one title in the entire company, and his 280-day reign was filled with important matches and hard-hitting affairs. From one of the bloodiest matches in company history against JBL in an I Quit match at Judgement Day 2005 to physical bouts against the likes of Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle, Cena made the WWE Championship feel important.
2. Third WWE Championship (2006-2007)
Cena has had his fair share of short title reigns, but his longest tenure with the WWE Championship is also his best reign with it. After defeating Edge in a TLC Match at Unforgiven 2006, Cena would hold on to the gold for a whopping 380 days, making it one of the longest WWE Championship reigns of the modern era before being overtaken by CM Punk. Throughout his year-plus reign, Cena would wrestle some of his most mesmerizing matches in his career, such as the bloody Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble 2007 against Umaga and against Shawn Michaels in the main event of WrestleMania 23. Cena would also defeat the top stars of the era, such as Triple H and Randy Orton. Although his reign would end due to an unfortunate torn pectoral muscle, Cena’s run with the WWE title between 2006 and 2007 is considered an all-timer.
1. Fourth United States Championship (2015)
A John Cena championship run in 2015 was not something that the fans were begging for, especially after winning the United States title off of Rusev, who had a dominating run right before dropping the belt to Cena at WrestleMania 31. However, the title reign that followed is considered one of Cena’s best runs of his entire career. Cena introduced the US Open Challenge, a series of weekly matches where he would defend the title against all challengers. Every week, Cena would defend the title against superstars who were on the undercard, such as Bad News Barrett and Zack Ryder, and against main roster newcomers such as Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, who went on to become WrestleMania main eventers. Cena not only elevated the title but also elevated anyone who stepped in the ring with him. Cena’s U.S. Open Challenge was truly a beacon of opportunity and thus belongs in the top spot of the best title reign of his illustrious career.
