John Cena is an American actor, retired professional wrestler, writer, and former rapper. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in WWE history and remains signed with WWE as a brand ambassador as of December 2025. He is best known for his in-ring career from 2001 to 2025 and is recognized by WWE as a record 17-time world champion.
Cena began his professional wrestling career in 1999 and signed with the World Wrestling Federation in 2001, which was renamed WWE in 2002. He made his main roster debut on SmackDown! in 2002 and first gained attention as a brash heel rapper before becoming WWE’s top star from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s. From 2017, he wrestled on a part-time basis until retiring in 2025. His run as a heroic character from 2003 to 2025 is the longest continuous face portrayal in WWE history.
A Look at the 17 Championship Reigns Of John Cena
John Cena has won the WWE Championship a record 17 times. Below is a look at each title reign in order, from his first to his last:
First WWE Championship reign (2005–2006)
John Cena won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 in 2005 by defeating JBL. This long reign lasted about nine months, included many successful defenses, and established Cena as WWE’s top star before he lost the title to Edge after a Money in the Bank cash-in in early 2006.
Second WWE Championship reign (2006)
His second reign began at the Royal Rumble in 2006 when he defeated Edge. This run helped prove Cena as a true main-eventer, highlighted by wins over Triple H, before he lost the title to Rob Van Dam at ECW One Night Stand.
Third WWE Championship reign (2006–2007)
Cena’s third reign started later in 2006 and became his longest. He defeated Edge again and held the championship for over a year, defending it against top stars like Shawn Michaels, Umaga, Randy Orton, and Bobby Lashley, before vacating the title due to injury in 2007.
Fourth WWE Championship reign (2008–2009)
His fourth reign came in late 2008 when he returned from injury and beat Chris Jericho. The run was solid but shorter, ending inside the Elimination Chamber in early 2009.
Fifth WWE Championship reign (2009)
Cena won his fifth WWE Championship at WrestleMania 25 in 2009, but this reign lasted only a few weeks. He lost the title quickly to Edge at Backlash.
Also Read: Top moments in John Cena’s Retirement Tour
Sixth WWE Championship reign (2009)
His sixth reign followed soon after in 2009 when he defeated Randy Orton. It also ended quickly, as Orton regained the title at Hell in a Cell.
Seventh WWE Championship reign (2009)
Cena captured the title for the seventh time later in 2009 by beating Orton in an Iron Man match. He defended it once before losing to Sheamus at TLC.
Eighth WWE Championship reign (2010)
The eighth reign happened in early 2010 when Cena won the Elimination Chamber match. This reign lasted only minutes, as he immediately lost the title to Batista.
Ninth WWE Championship reign (2010)
His ninth reign began at WrestleMania 26 in 2010 when he defeated Batista. Cena defended the title twice before losing it at Fatal 4-Way.
Tenth WWE Championship reign (2011)
Cena won the championship for the tenth time in 2011 by defeating The Miz. This run included a few defenses but ended at Money in the Bank when he lost to CM Punk.
Also Read: Does Triple H Hate John Cena? Fans Question WWE Booking After Cena Tapped Out
Eleventh WWE Championship reign (2011)
His eleventh reign started the same night Punk initially left WWE in 2011, when Cena beat Rey Mysterio. It ended quickly at SummerSlam when Punk returned and reclaimed the title.
Twelfth WWE Championship reign (2011)
Cena’s twelfth reign came later in 2011 when he defeated Alberto Del Rio. It was another short reign, as Del Rio regained the title at Hell in a Cell.
Thirteenth WWE Championship reign (2013)
His thirteenth reign took place in 2013 after Cena defeated The Rock at WrestleMania 29. This important run ended when Daniel Bryan beat Cena cleanly at SummerSlam.
Fourteenth world title reign (2013)
Cena’s fourteenth reign followed his return in late 2013 when he won the World Heavyweight Championship. He defended it twice before losing to Randy Orton in a title unification match.
Fifteenth WWE Championship reign (2014)
His fifteenth reign occurred in 2014 after winning a ladder match at Money in the Bank. The run lasted briefly and ended when Brock Lesnar dominated him at SummerSlam.
Sixteenth WWE Championship reign (2017)
Cena won his sixteenth world title in 2017 by defeating AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble. This historic reign tied Ric Flair’s record but lasted only two weeks before ending at Elimination Chamber.
Seventeenth WWE Championship reign (2025)
His seventeenth and final WWE Championship reign came in 2025 when he defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. Cena held the title for a little over three months, defended it twice, and ultimately lost it back to Rhodes at SummerSlam, closing the final chapter of his championship legacy.
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