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WWE Raw: AEW stars Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho and Big Show appear for John Cena tribute-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro
What a moment!
AEW trio Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan and The Big Show appear on Raw (Picture: WWE)
AEW stars Daniel Bryan, ‘The Big Show’ Paul Wight and Chris Jericho appeared on WWE Raw to pay tribute to John Cena.
The trio – who are all contracted to Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling promotion – appeared on the rival show to honour a man they call a friend as he celebrated 20 years since his WWE debut.
They appeared alongside the likes of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Booker T, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield and Trish Stratus to honour the 16-time world champion.
Jericho said: ‘Wishing John Cena congratulations on 20 years of Hustle, Loyalty and Respect, one of my all time favourite opponents.’
While Bryan – whose real name is Bryan Danielson – added: ‘Thank you for being an excellent leader, thank you for always being so giving, both as a performer and outside of 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’m honoured to have worked with you, I’m honoured to call you my friend. Tonight’s your night, man. Congratulations. You deserve it.’
Meanwhile, Cena would interact with the likes of Ezekiel, The Street Profits and United States Champion Theory backstage throughout the night, with the latter unimpressed by Cena and running 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 honour and addressed the WWE Universe at length to mark the special occasion.
‘This 20th anniversary is very important to me, because it means that you have allowed me do this for two decades. It’s never been lost on me that each and every single time I stand in this, it’s because you allow it. Guys, over the years you have created an environment for me to be my true self,’ he said.
‘My heart is beating out of my chest. I am filled with energy and excitement and I need to say thank you for moments like those, and I need to say thank you for making me who I am!
John Cena addressed the fans (Picture: WWE)
‘I always say to anybody who will listen that WWE has prepared me for anything. When I say that, I need you to know that I’m not talking about something like Fast and Furious or something like Peacemaker.
‘When I say that WWE has prepared me for anything, I mean because of you, and your reactions and your investment in me. You have made me a better human being.’
While Cena admitted he wasn’t sure when he’d be back in the ring, he answered chants for ‘one more match’ by insisting he has more than that left in the tank.
‘It’s been 20 years and I’m 45 years old, I only state that because I don’t know when you’re gonna see me in the ring again. I’m not saying you won’t, I just don’t know when that’s going to be,’ he added.
‘So I need to say this now – it ain’t just gonna be one [more match], don’t worry about it! I need to say that this. Anything I do outside of this is never just me.
‘Just like when you chant Cena, it’s not about me. It’s about us coming together. This is all about “we”… That right there is the sound of us. We never give up, we’re just getting started. If you want some – come get some!’
WWE Raw airs Monday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.
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