John Cena returned on the June 27 episode of WWE RAW to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut.
Cena kicked off the show with a pre-taped segment where he hugged and gave high-fives to many members of the roster and the crew. Throughout the night, he appeared in backstage segments with The Street Profits and Ezekiel. He was also confronted by the WWE United States Champion Theory, who told Cena that he’s out of touch and everyone should be celebrating him instead.
??????@_Theory1 @JohnCena #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/K37yiifVua
— WWE (@WWE) June 28, 2022
Finally, at the beginning of the third hour, Vince McMahon introduced the 16-time world champion, who came to the ring to a huge pop. Cena acknowledged his “WWE birthday” and said he couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate. He noted that he usually doesn’t like to acknowledged milestones, as he prefers to look ahead to what’s next. But he then stated that tonight is different because this anniversary means that the fans have allowed him to keep coming back for two decades. Cena told the fans they have been brave enough to tell him when he sucks and kind enough to tell him when he doesn’t.
"For 20 years, you have created an environment for me to be my true self. You've also been brave enough to tell me when I suck and you've also been kind enough to tell me when I don't."@JohnCena #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/h6y2jp1dAb
— WWE (@WWE) June 28, 2022
He then said he’s been waiting for the right moment to say, “Thank you”, and this feels like that moment. The fans then chanted, “Thank you, Cena.” Cena thanked the fans for creating special moments and making him who he is. He stated that WWE has prepared him for anything; by that, he meant the fans have made him a better human being, a better professional, a better husband, and a better person. Cena stated that spending time with families have taught him caring and kindness. He said that the fans shower WWE stars with everything they have, so he always does his best to give them his all. He admitted that he doesn’t know when fans will see him in the ring again. Cena said that everything he does outside of WWE is all about “we”.
Cena then fired up the fans and said, “We never give up, we’re just getting started, and if you want some, come get some.”
