10 Most Heated Matches In WWE History

8. John Cena Vs. Triple H - WWE WrestleMania 22

Cena Rob Van Dam II
WWE.com

Triple H fanned the flames for John Cena's reaction at WrestleMania 22. In the build up to their WWE Heavyweight Title match, he had dismissed the threat Cena posed in a manner which parted the curtain much too far for many.

In the build up, he told Cena that he wasn't afraid of the guy whose "one big move was pumping up his Reeboks". Triple H then condemned Cena further by telling him that he "happened to not be a very good wrestler". He did dial back the onslaught later - but in damning Cena with faint promise, the overriding message remained clear. "John Cena has some ability. He's the guy that's not a very good fighter. He's still only working with that little bit of talent."

By the time April 2 rolled around, those growing - and famously loud - Chicago dissenters had their suspicions vindicated. Cena sucked - and they were intent on letting him know. They did so in a gripping if basic contest which was augmented by its cacophonous backdrop.

Triple H is perhaps wrestling's savviest ever political operator. He did the job, strictly speaking, but he managed to preserve his superior standing in doing so.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!