AEW stars Daniel Bryan, ‘The Big Show’ Paul Wight and Chris Jericho appeared on WWE Raw to pay tribute to John Cena.
The trio — all of whom were signed to Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling promotion — appeared on the rival show to honor a man they call a friend as he celebrated 20 years since his WWE debut.
They appeared alongside artists such as ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Booker T, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield and Trish Stratus to honor the 16-time world champion.
Jericho said, “Congratulations to John Cena on 20 years of hustle, loyalty and respect, one of my all-time favorite opponents.”
While Bryan – whose real name is Bryan Danielson – added: ‘Thank you for being an outstanding leader, thank you for always being so thoughtful, both as a performer and outside the ring.’
And Bit Show said, ‘There’s no one else in this business I’ve ever seen with your work ethic and character. I am honored to have worked with you, I am honored to call you my friend. Tonight’s your night, man. Congratulations. You deserve it.’
Meanwhile, Cena would spend all night backstage interacting with the likes of Ezekiel, The Street Profits, and United States Champion Theory, with the latter being unimpressed with Cena and knocking him down before missing out on a selfie with his real-life hero.
Later, Vince McMahon would introduce the legend, who came out with a guard of honor and addressed the WWE universe at length on the occasion of the special occasion.
“This 20th anniversary is very important to me because it means you have allowed me to do this for two decades. It’s never escaped my notice that every time I’m in this, it’s because you allow it. Guys, over the years you’ve created an environment where I can be myself,” he said.
“My heart is beating out of my chest. I am full of energy and excitement and I have to thank you for such moments, and I have to thank you for making me who I am!
“I always tell anyone who will listen that WWE has prepared me for anything. When I say that, you should know I’m not talking about anything like Fast and Furious or anything like Peacemaker.
“When I say WWE prepared me for anything, I mean through you, your reactions, and your investment in me. You made me a better person.’
While Cena admitted he wasn’t sure when he’d be back in the ring, he answered chants for “one more game” by insisting he has more than that in the tank.
“It’s been 20 years and I’m 45 years old, I’m only saying that because I don’t know when you’re going to see me in the ring again. I’m not saying you won’t, I just don’t know when that will be,” he added.
‘So I have to say this now – it won’t be just any’ [more match], do not worry! I have to say this. Everything I do out there is never mine alone.
“Like when you chant Cena, it’s not about me. It’s about us coming together. This is all about “we”… That’s exactly the sound of us. We never give up, we are just getting started. If you want some, come and get some!’
WWE Raw kicks off Monday night at 1 a.m. on BT Sport 1.
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