On December 30th John Cena will team with Kevin Owens on Friday Night SmackDown to take on Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.
The match ensures that he has has wrestled for WWE every year since making his main roster debut back in 2002 against Kurt Angle. Meanwhile, the match on SmackDown is mired in history and on-screen conflict. Owens and Zayn have been friends and rivals long before they ever arrived in WWE, while Owens made his main roster debut against Cena. There is also the long-standing rivalry between Owens and Reigns, while Cena has had his own issues with the Tribal Chief.
Kevin Owens Opens Up About John Cena Match
During a new interview with TMZ Sports ahead of the match on SmackDown, Owens said that it represents something of a full circle moment. The former World Champion went on to break down the history of all involved.
“I started with John when I came to WWE, and now he’s going to be my partner against Sami. Me and Sami have had so much history in WWE, let alone our entire careers.
To be in that kind of situation now together, it’s all just so surreal. I’m just grateful for the chance to experience that stuff.”
Owens went on to discuss how teaming with Cena will also provide a special moment for his son who was a huge fan of the 16-time World Champion.
“Me and my son will always have a little bond over John Cena. My son, as he was growing up, was a huge John Cena fan. When I signed my WWE contract, I told my son, ‘maybe I’ll get to fight John Cena one day,’ then I did. He’s still excited that John’s coming around. It’s a cool little thing to share with my son anytime John’s involved. My son likes WWE but is not an avid fan like I was growing up.”
In more recent years John Cena’s appearances with WWE have become few and far between as his acting career has truly taken off. However, as Owens explained, it’s always a big moment when he does return to the ring.
“Anytime John comes back around, it piques his [Owen] interest, and now I get to team with him. He saw us fight each other. Now he’s going to get to see me team with him. It’s a neat little thing.”
It has also been announced that SmackDown will see Ronda Rousey defend her SmackDown Women’s Title against Raquel Rodriguez, while Solo Sikoa takes on Sheamus.