He may be a 15-time World Champion and reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but John Cena is not always on his game when SummerSlam rolls around, with losses in five of his last six matches. Despite his summertime sadness, The Champ always responds in epic fashion. Re-live Cena’s last six summers with this WWE Magazine exclusive.
Pick up WWE Magazine today for more SummerSlam coverage, including the blueprint for how to beat Cena’s SummerSlam opponent, Brock Lesnar!
Summerslam 2008: Defeated By Batista
Icons finally collided at The Biggest Event of the Summer, but Batista prevailed by catching Cena mid-air for a Batista Bomb. Cena wouldn’t score a victory over The Animal until 2010.
Next Big Win: Survivor Series 2008
After a brief stint on the sideline with an injury, Cena returned in Boston to reclaim the World Title against Chris Jericho.
SummerSlam 2009: Defeated By Randy Orton
Numerous interferences from members of The Legacy—including one from Sim Snuka who ran in from the crowd, allowed Orton to steal the win and keep the WWE Championship.
Next Big Win: Breaking Point 2009
Despite being handcuffed for a large portion of the bout in the rematch against The Viper, Cena made him say “I Quit” to capture his fourth WWE Title.
SummerSlam 2010: Defeated The Nexus
Cena formed a dream team, including Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge and Daniel Bryan, to defeat The Nexus in an Elimination Tag Team Match.
Next Big Win: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2010
After being forced to join The Nexus and then fired from WWE, Cena literally crushed the group that made his life miserable, drop 23 chairs on Bad News Barrett.
SummerSlam 2011: Defeated By CM Punk
With two WWE Championships on the line, guest referee Triple H didn't see Cena’s foot on the ropes while making his decisive count.
Next Big Win: Night of Champions 2011
Cena stole Alberto Del Rio’s prized Ferrari and captured the WWE Championship by locking The Mexican Aristocrat in the STF.
SummerSlam 2012: Defeated By CM Punk
chaotic Triple Threat action, Cena dropped Big Show with an Attitude Adjustment, but was thrown out of the ring by CM Punk before he could capitalize.
Next Big Win: Royal Rumble 2013
Cena fell on dark days, suffering an injury, a Draw to CM Punk and a loss to Dolph Ziggler at Tables, Ladders & Chairs, but he ended the losing streak by eliminating Ryback to win the 2013 Royal Rumble Match.
SummerSlam 2013: Defeated By Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan knocked out Cena with the Running Knee to become WWE Champion. The bad news kept coming for Cena the following night, though, when he revealed he suffered an elbow injury.
Next Big Win: Hell in a Cell 2013
Cena returned from injury and showed no signs of weakness as he powered out of Alberto Del Rio’s devastating Cross Armbreaker submission maneuver to win his 14th World Championship.