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John Cena is one of the most loved and, sometimes hated, superstars of the last two decades. He is essentially the modern era's version of Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin, who always draws a reaction from the audience.
In recent times, John Cena has been away from WWE, making a name for himself in Hollywood. He has now become well-established on the movie scene, and all of his time cannot be solely dedicated to WWE.
But when Cena goes away for a while, it means there is going to be a triumphant return somewhere down the line. That being said, let's take a look at the five most memorable John Cena returns in WWE.
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#5 John Cena returns at WrestleMania 35 as the Doctor of Thuganomics
The Cenation leader made a name for himself on Smackdown in the early 2000s using his 'Doctor of Thuganomics' gimmick. It was a straight-talking, rap-battling gimmick that became popular with the WWE Universe.
At WrestleMania 35, John Cena interrupted during what was supposed to be the musical performance of a lifetime by Elias. He returned as the Doctor of Thuganomics to the surprise of fans in attendance. Cena then began to rap just like he used to in his early days and sent Elias packing.
This was the first time John Cena had reprised the gimmick since the early 2000s.
It was also the first time he had gotten physical in the WWE ring since a fatal four-way match against Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, and Drew McIntyre earlier that year.
#4 John Cena returns at Money in the Bank 2021 to confront Roman Reigns
After a 15-month absence, John Cena made his long-awaited return to confront 'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns during this year's Money in the Bank event.
WWE recently resumed live touring, and this made for quite the reception for the 16-time world champion.
Cena's entrance music hit as Roman Reigns was making a statement after his successful title defense against Edge.
The Cenation leader immediately confronted the biggest villain currently in WWE and set his sights on a 17th world championship reign.
#3 John Cena returns to SmackDown in 2020 to announce his retirement (or so we thought!)
Last year, speculation was running rife that John Cena was set to announce his retirement from in-ring competition after a seven-month hiatus. It was announced that he would be appearing on the February 28th, 2020 episode of SmackDown to make an announcement.
In a heartfelt promo, Cena said that WrestleMania should go on without him. He choked up during the speech and had the WWE Universe in the palm of his hand throughout.
With John Cena exiting up the ramp, it was clear that WrestleMania was going to happen with him involved. The Fiend appeared behind him, pointing at the WrestleMania sign, as Cena nodded in agreement.
It ultimately set up the first-ever Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36.
#2 John Cena returns to help The Rock against The Wyatt Family in 2016
John Cena and The Rock main-evented two consecutive blockbuster WrestleMania events together.
In late 2015, Cena suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and would rule him out of action for a number of months. But this setback won't keep him down for long.
At WrestleMania 32, The Rock was confronted by The Wyatt Family members — Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman.
It was a three-on-one situation until John Cena made a shocking return to aid The Rock and fend off the Wyatt Family. Cena made a full-time return the month after WrestleMania.
#1 John Cena returns at the 2008 Royal Rumble to shock the world
In October 2007, John Cena suffered a torn pectoral muscle during a match on Monday Night RAW. He was set to be out of action for six months to a year.
It was later revealed that the muscle had been completely torn off the bone, which prolonged Cena's rehabilitation. But three months later, John Cena did the unimaginable. He returned at the 2008 Royal Rumble event in Madison Square Garden to a thunderous response.
Cena entered the match at number 30 and won the whole thing to guarantee himself a world championship match at WrestleMania. It was easily one of the most iconic Royal Rumble moments in history.
