Get ready for a thrilling journey into WWE's past! A hidden gem has just been unearthed, and it's a match that will leave you wanting more. John Cena vs. Roman Reigns: A Clash of Legends Unveiled!
Just as WWE hits the road for its annual Holiday Tour, a special treat awaits fans on YouTube. WWE Vault has dropped a Christmas surprise, and it's a doozy! A never-before-seen live event match, a missing chapter in WWE history, is now available for all to witness.
On December 26, 2017, inside the iconic Madison Square Garden, John Cena and Roman Reigns faced off in a battle for Reigns' Intercontinental Championship. This match, a rare glimpse into WWE's transition period, showcases the changing guard. Cena, the veteran, was scaling back, while Reigns, the rising star, was stepping into Cena's legendary footsteps.
But here's where it gets controversial... live event matches are often considered non-canon, but this MSG clash is more than just a bout. It's a snapshot of WWE's evolution, a moment in time where the past and future collide. And this is the part most people miss: it's a consolation prize for a long-standing tradition at MSG, a post-Christmas spectacle that has now come to an end.
For years, WWE's Holiday Tour has included a stop at Madison Square Garden, a tradition that dates back to 1983 when The Iron Sheik dethroned Bob Backlund. However, this year marks the end of that run, and the release of the Cena-Reigns match feels like a fitting farewell.
The Holiday Tour match was a defining moment in their rivalry. It was the first time these two giants squared off since their high-profile showdown at No Mercy. While that match is remembered as a torch-passing ceremony, their MSG encounter offered a quieter, yet equally impactful, continuation of WWE's generational shift.
This was the first of four singles matches between Cena and Reigns during the 2017 Holiday Tour. Despite being a non-televised event, the atmosphere was electric, with WWE's prestigious Intercontinental Championship on the line. The match, captured by a single camera, showcases the raw energy of a post-Christmas crowd craving a main event spectacle.
The action was relentless, a battle between WWE's Batman and Superman. Cena and Reigns traded blows, selling the effects of their war. The finish had fans on their feet, as Cena powered out of a pin and lifted Reigns for an Attitude Adjustment. But Reigns slipped free, rebounded, and delivered a spear, retaining the championship.
WWE Vault's release of this match is more than just a nostalgia trip. It's a reminder of the live experience's significance and excitement, especially as WWE hosts fewer live events. This match fills a gap in Cena and Reigns' history, a period where Reigns dominated, winning all 11 of their singles encounters. In pro wrestling, this imbalance is symbolic, showcasing WWE's commitment to Reigns as Cena's successor.
Cena's losses also highlight his dedication to elevating new talent, a principle he upheld in his final match against Gunther. His willingness to put Reigns over at MSG speaks volumes about his respect for Reigns and his commitment to WWE's future. In a 2023 interview, Cena praised Reigns, calling him the greatest of all time.
So, what do you think? Is this match a fitting tribute to WWE's past and future? Does it capture the essence of WWE's evolution? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your opinions on this hidden gem and its impact on WWE's legacy.
