John Cena teamed with Dominik and Rey Mysterio to take on the Usos and Roman Reigns in the dark match main event of SmackDown at the BOK Center in Tulsa, OK. Inside the Ropes’ own Sondra Ruth was in attendance to capture some of the action.
Dark main event is John Cena and the Mysterios vs. the Usos and Roman Reigns. This should be a blast! #SmackDown#SmackDownTulsapic.twitter.com/EPIz5TNwqM
— Inside The Ropes (@Inside_TheRopes) August 14, 2021
The dark main event saw Dominik Mysterio take most of the punishment in the match while the Bloodline regularly postured and held up their Universal and Tag Team Championships to brag to the crowd, eliciting vociferous boos. Eventually, the younger Mysterio made a hot tag to the green-clad Suicide Squad star, who pleased the crowd with multiple F5’s and Five Knuckle Shuffles. The Mysterios delivered a tandem 619 to a huge ovation before Cena eventually pinned Jimmy Uso to gain the win for his team.
Dominik has been in this match a LONG time. #SmackDown#SmackDownTulsapic.twitter.com/Qeh1Iriq5C
— Inside The Ropes (@Inside_TheRopes) August 14, 2021
John Cena pinned one of the Usos (was hard to see which in the shenanigans) to win the match. That was loads of fun! The pop for Cena's hot tag and then the double 619 was insane. #SmackDown#SmackDownTulsapic.twitter.com/R1P3wVz4iz
— Inside The Ropes (@Inside_TheRopes) August 14, 2021
Long known for his dedication to putting smiles on the faces of the youngest members of the WWE Universe, the master of Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect created a ‘life memory’ for one child in the audience after celebrating his win with his teammates.
Shout to @JohnCena, pins the Uso’s in a dark match. No TV. No cameras rolling. Out of 30 adults reaching over the barracade, he pulls the 6 year old from my party and gives him a life memory.
“Let’s Go Cena‼️” forever 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/SMPm5XlCmg
— Collin Wilson (@_Collin1) August 14, 2021
Well before this heartwarming moment, Cena traded barbs with Roman Reigns and said that he only needed to pin the Tribal Chief ‘1, 2, 3′ to become a first-time Universal Champion and secure his 17th World Championship in WWE. The memorable promo contained references to Cena’s ex-fiancée Nikki Bella, Reigns’ ex-Shield partner and current AEW star Dean Ambrose with Cena even referencing CM Punk’s fond farewell as WWE Champion at Money In The Bank 2011.
John Cena will find out whether his words come to fruition when Roman Reigns puts his Universal Title on the line at SummerSlam on August 21.