John CenaJohn Cena, the fifteen-time World Champion, is known for producing spectacular singles matches at the WWE Pay-per-views. Cena has been continuously doing some brilliant work in the SummerSlam PPV over the years. Cena took part in 11 SummerSlam matches spanning from 2004-2014 and most of them were show stealers. But there is something interesting here. Cena has a poor record at SummerSlam. He lost 7 and won just 4. Even though he maintains a poor record, all his matches are worth watching. As part of this slideshow, let us look at 5 top-rated SummerSlam matches of Cena-
#5 John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar - 2014
To just remind you, this is one of the worst matches in the career of Cena. In a match that lasted for 20 minutes, Cena was on his feet for less than a tenth of that time . It was a merciless beatdown by Brock Lesnar. But I would still call it one of the greatest SummerSlam matches of Cena. It was not easy for you to take such a brutal beating in a PPV match, especially when you are on the top for ages. Cena loves the business and he does anything that is best for the industry. This match helped Brock Lesnar to instill an image of a ‘Beast’ and a ‘Mercenary’ in the minds of the WWE fans.
#4 John Cena vs. Edge - 2006
This match was for the WWE Championship. Edge was defending his WWE title with the stipulation that if he gets disqualified, he will lose the title. Cena was portrayed as very irate and determined throughout this match. Cena converting a spear into an STFU was an inspired move. Lita tried to extend help to Edge multiple times and she was finally successful when she handed over a brass knuckle to knock-off Cena. Though Cena lost this match, it was really awesome to watch. Have a look at the highlights-
#3 John Cena vs. Randy Orton - 2007
A feud between Randy Orton and John Cena will have something spectacular on any given day. They have been part of many wonderful matches in WWE and in 2007, they had one great match. These two superstars locked horns in a match at SummerSlam for the WWE Championship. Cena successfully defended his Championship, but Randy Orton really impressed the WWE universe with his agile moves and quick reflexes. These two superstars laid a great foundation to their careers through this match and the rest, as they say, is (not quite) history.
#2 John Cena vs. CM Punk - 2011
It so happens at times that you need to justify the worth of something that you are in possession of. Something similar happened to Cena in 2011. He was the WWE Champion back then but CM Punk came up with another Championship and both Cena and Punk were asked to prove their mettle in a Championship match at SummerSlam in a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Triple H was the special guest referee for this match and his error at the closing moments of the match cost Cena the title. Other things aside, this match was a jaw-dropping modern day wrestling encounter.
#1 John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan - 2013
This match was neither a gruelling encounter nor an acrobatic visual treat. This match however was very crucial as far as Bryan is concerned. This match laid the foundation for Bryan’s successful run in the WWE at the main event level. Bryan took Cena to the limit and secured a win over him with a high running knee. The special guest referee in this match, HHH, ruined Bryan’s dream by delivering a pedigree to Bryan after the matched and helped Randy Orton to cash in his MITB contract.