John Cena reacts to top AEW champion paying him tribute

WWE legend John Cena has reacted to a top AEW champion paying him tribute at last night’s Dynamite: Winter Is Coming.

Cena has paid tributes to many of his rivals by copying their signature moves in his matches. In return, some of his opponents have also copied his signature moves, paying him tribute.

The latest one, who paid the Last Real Champion a tribute, is Samoa Joe. The defending AEW World Champion defended his title against Eddie Kingston at Dynamite: Winter is coming 2025.

During the showdown, Joe applied Cena’s iconic STF submission on Kingston and did a quick salute as a nod to the WWE legend.

John Cena has now finally taken notice, and he reacted to Joe’s tribute by posting a picture of the incident on his Instagram account.

Cena is just one match away from finishing his retirement tour and will make his final in-ring appearance against Gunther at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.

He has recently also revealed his future plans with WWE, saying he has already signed a new five-year contract with the promotion for a new role.

“I will be an ambassador to WWE. I am already signed on for another five years,” said Cena.

“I would like to be in this family as an employee and as a contributing part for as long as I can.”

Cena, 48, admitted that he could not match the requirements needed in the ring anymore. However, he is looking forward to his next job as an ambassador.

Since debuting in 2002, Cena has been a cornerstone of WWE, delivering countless iconic matches and moments beloved by fans worldwide.