John Cena got one last match in.
Cena returned to the ring on the December 30 episode of WWE SmackDown, teaming with Kevin Owens to defeat Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn, and keeping his streak alive. Cena had wrestled at least one match every year since debuting in 2002, but the streak was in jeopardy with no matches under his belt in 2022.
Until Friday's WWE SmackDown.
After the show, and a post-show segment where Cena and Owens were saved by Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Ridge Holland, & Butch from an attack by The Bloodline (Zayn & The Usos), Cena cut a post-show promo.
"It's the season of giving -- it looks like these two are giving each other a hard time -- I just want to say thank you so much for giving me the greatest gift you ever could. That is allowing me to step into this ring for 20 straight years. I've had one match, at least, every single year since I started in 2002. This year was the first year that [having a match] wasn't going to happen. Until I found out that the last event of the year was right here in my backyard in Tampa Bay. I want to thank you as a community for welcoming me with open arms. I want to thank those I share the ring with for helping me make magic every night. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for all the hard work and sacrifice to come and see us week in and week out. None of this exists with you! Thank you for a wonderful 20-year run, thank you for a wonderful 2022. Everybody be safe tomorrow night, and let’s have one hell of a 2023! Thank you, Tampa Bay," he said.
John Cena cut a promo after Smackdown pic.twitter.com/ewYCa2De8S
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) December 31, 2022
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