Every Roman Reigns WWE Universal Title Defence Ranked In Order Of Greatness
27. Vs John Cena (SummerSlam 2021)
Big time doesn't always mean good time, and that was the problem with the latest (and probably last) Roman Reigns/John Cena showdown.
'The Champ' was an awesome show-closing surprise for 'The Tribal Chief' when he returned during the final moments of Money In The Bank 2021 and their initial face-off and match existed as much to celebrate the return of live audiences as provide one of the higher quality Universal Title feuds.
Good job, too - this was big star stuff masquerading as quality wrestling content. The feud only sparkled because of the innate star power of the two men, and that specific intangible couldn't cary a rote and over-familiar match on the night itself. Reigns' victory was never in doubt, which was becoming increasingly integral to the drama when the stories weren't hitting.
In yet more foreboding of the run's doldrums still to come, WWE repeated the Cena surprise at the end of this match. Reigns had survived again, but Brock Lesnar's return was the send-the-fans-home-happy pop to close the show.