A new report provides details about the mood backstage surrounding John Cena’s return to Raw.
On the June 27th episode of Monday Night Raw, John Cena returned to the red brand to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut on SmackDown, where he faced Kurt Angle in an open challenge.
Throughout the night on Raw, video packages and tributes from current and past WWE Superstars celebrated the anniversary, with everyone heaping praise on the 16 time World Champion for his contributions to WWE. Surprisingly, AEW stars Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, and Paul Wight were among those who sent in video tributes.
John Cena also cut an impassioned promo, thanking the WWE Universe for allowing him to do this for two decades and saying that his career has always been about the fans. He mentioned that he doesn’t know when he’ll wrestle again, though he’s reportedly expected to face United States Champion Theory at SummerSlam.
A report from WrestleVotes detailed the mood backstage ahead of John Cena’s return, saying that not only did his appearance help boost business on the night, but that his positive energy had an uplifting effect on the locker room.
“Aside from the obvious business boost, I’m told the return of John Cena is as exciting for the locker room as it is for the fans. Cena is viewed as the ultimate leader, w/ his positive presence felt throughout the company when he’s around.”
Aside from the obvious business boost, I’m told the return of John Cena is as exciting for the locker room as it is for the fans. Cena is viewed as the ultimate leader, w/ his positive presence felt throughout the company when he’s around.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) June 27, 2022
The Peacemaker star last appeared on WWE television during the 2021 Summer of Cena, which saw him make a number of television and live event appearances in July and August. John Cena faced Roman Reigns at the 2021 edition of SummerSlam, where he was defeated by the Tribal Chief. After the show went off the air, Cena was the recipient of numerous F5’s at the hands of Brock Lesnar, who appeared at the end of the show to confront Roman Reigns.