During his full-time WWE career John Cena earned a reputation as a man who rarely found his shoulders pinned to the mat. This reputation spawned internet memes and frustration among fans who saw a number of their favourite stars defeated by the 16-time World Champion.
However, a WWE veteran has revealed that it was actually a match that Cena lost which sparked some upset backstage.
John Cena’s Loss To Sheamus In 2009 Led To A Lot Of Heat Backstage
Sheamus made his first appearance for WWE back in 2006, working as a extra on an episode of Monday Night Raw held in Manchester, United Kingdom. The would-be star had try-out match with the company in 2007 and this led him to sign a developmental deal. After a successful spell with developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling the Irish star arrived on the main roster in June 2009.
The Celtic Warrior quickly rose up the card and defeated John Cena at WWE TLC in December to win the WWE Championship for the first time. The victory was the third-quickest World Title win in history.
Speaking on a recent edition of Out of Character with Ryan Satin, Sheamus reflected on this famous win and the backstage reaction. The veteran said that a lot of people were bitter about him winning the title so early into his main roster career.
“People weren’t very excited, nobody was very excited,” he explained. “There were a lot of people who were bitter about the situation that had happened. A lot of guys who had been there for years and never had any kind of opportunity. The thing is, when I won, there was heat! What heat! A lot of heat, man, too much heat!”
Sheamus went on to hold the WWE Championship until Elimination Chamber in February when he lost out in the match of the same name. Since then he has held World Championship gold on three more occasions while establishing himself as popular figure among fans.
Back in 2022 the star finds himself leading the Brawling Brutes as they battle The Bloodline. It has been suggested that a match between the two factions will headline Survivor Series inside WarGames, although this is yet to be confirmed.
H/t to Wrestling Inc