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John Cena Returning To WWE's 'Monday Night Raw' To Celebrate Ruthless 20-Year Career

John Cena took to Twitter to tell fans it had been "far too long" since he'd seen them.

By Caitlin Busch
Wrestler John Cena in a green shirt and hat

When WWE Superstar John Cena first came onto the scene in 2002 to dole out some “ruthless aggression,” wrestling fans knew there was something special about the guy. Now, 20 years after his in-ring debut, Cena will return to WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” on June 27 to celebrate his storied career.

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WWE announced the return on its official Twitter account during this week’s “Raw,” with Cena responding enthusiastically with his own post: “Been far too long and what a special occasion to be able [to] spend with the [WWE]!”

Of course, fans know that this isn’t the first time Cena has made his way back into the ring. Last year, he made an appearance at SummerSlam 2021 and took on Roman Reigns in the main event for the WWE Universal Championship. Reigns ultimately got the win after delivering a Superman Punch and a brutal spear, but despite the loss, Cena took to Twitter a few days later to express his gratitude for the opportunity to return. 

“Words cannot describe how appreciative I am that the WWE Universe allowed me the opportunity to return and perform,” Cena tweeted at the time. “Thank you staff, superstars, and most of all FANS for giving me an unforgettable summer at ‘home’ with my ‘family.’ The journey takes me away now but I’ll C U soon.”

“Soon” now translates to “a couple of weeks from now” when Cena takes to the ring in Laredo, Texas, on June 27.

"Returning to WWE, it’s a brand-new world," Cena said on Chris Hardwick's "ID10T" podcast in August 2021. "A new cast of characters, new direction with the company, new platforms, new environment. There is a challenge there. To challenge myself as a 44-year-old to go back, there is an intrinsic challenge there, a set of circumstances. That’s a good challenge in many ways.”

Whether he’ll be showing off his wrestling prowess against an unsuspecting Superstar or two is up in the air, but his mere presence will surely be enough to keep the crowd riled and ready for a classic “Raw” showdown. This week, Cena’s former rival Edge was stabbed in the back by his own stable, The Judgement Day, leaving him vulnerable. Will Edge’s renewed solo status result in an Attitude Adjustment from Cena? Only time will tell.

Tune in to “Monday Night Raw” live every week at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network. 

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