10 WWE PPVs John Cena Main-Evented (But Shouldn't Have)
Big Match John has had some matches that WWE thought were bigger than they actually were.
John Cena was, and arguably still is, the franchise player of WWE. His full-time run at the top from 2005 to 2015 showed that he was one of the most dedicated and capable performers in the industry, and even now, as he's taken a lighter schedule due to Hollywood bookings, he still gives more of his all than most on the roster.
With all the time Cena spent as the most popular member of the roster as well as WWE and World Heavyweight Champion, it only makes sense that he has headlined so many PPVs during his tenure. And even when he wasn't champion, so many of his matches had weight and importance that justified their spot in the main slot. Many would argue his one-on-one encounter with Roman Reigns should headline above Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman's titanic encounter at this Sunday's No Mercy.
However, these matches do not fit that category. Even as Cena was the star of WWE for so many years, too often, the company pushed him in main event slots when it simply wasn't warranted, and often, those stifled the potential ascent of other stars.
10. WrestleMania 23 (Vs. Shawn Michaels)
WrestleMania 23 is mainly remembered for the fact that the current President of the United States–the man in charge of the largest military in the history of the world, and the figurehead of western culture of politics–shaved Vince McMahon's head and took the worst stunner this side of Linda McMahon. But it's also remembered for having two good world title matches: one between Batista and The Undertaker, the other between Shawn Michaels and John Cena. It would be the latter that would close out the show.
This is just gonna be a case of wrestling fan pedantry, but there's one simple reason Undertaker and Batista should have closed out the show: Undertaker won the dang Royal Rumble. He eliminated Shawn Michaels and won the opportunity to challenge Batista in the main event. When WWE play up so much the stipulation of the Rumble match and talk about how everyone is fighting for the right to main event 'Mania, it just devalues the Rumble when they shove off the winner to the midcard.
However, WWE officials were apparently wary of giving Batista and 'Taker the main slot given their physical conditions, and opted for the safer choice of Cena-Michaels. Big Dave and Mean Mark were evidently miffed at the demotion, and sought to steal the show from their spot, and depending on who you ask, they did.