FULL MATCH: Roman Reigns vs. John Cena | Universal Title Match: SummerSlam 2021
The highly anticipated clash between Roman Reigns and John Cena at SummerSlam 2021 was more than just a Universal Championship bout—it was a battle of eras. Held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in front of a roaring crowd, the match featured two of WWE’s biggest icons colliding in a blockbuster main event. Roman Reigns, then firmly established as the “Tribal Chief,” defended his Universal Title against 16-time world champion John Cena, who returned to WWE after more than a year-long hiatus with one mission: to break Ric Flair’s record and claim his 17th world title.
The match began with Cena playing mind games, relying on roll-ups and quick pins to try to end the bout early. He emphasized that he didn’t need to overpower Reigns—he just needed a three-count. However, Roman quickly showcased his dominance, controlling the pace and asserting his authority with hard-hitting offense and trash talk. Reigns taunted Cena and the audience, demonstrating his growth into a cold, calculating champion who fought with purpose and pride.
Despite being outpowered for much of the match, Cena never backed down. He absorbed punishing blows—Superman Punches, suplexes, and drive-by strikes—only to rise again, proving the resilience and veteran grit that made him a WWE legend. Every time it seemed like Reigns had the match won, Cena managed to kick out, drawing loud reactions from the capacity crowd.
As the match progressed, Cena mounted a strong comeback. He hit Reigns with his signature Five Knuckle Shuffle and the Attitude Adjustment—twice, including one through the announce table. Each time, Reigns shockingly kicked out, elevating the drama and suspense. Cena tried a top-rope leg drop and even went for another AA inside the ring, but Reigns dug deep and survived every attack.
The climax came when Roman countered another desperate Attitude Adjustment attempt into a thunderous Superman Punch followed by a decisive Spear. With that final impact, Reigns pinned Cena clean in the center of the ring, retaining the Universal Championship and solidifying his reign as the Head of the Table. The win was one of Reigns’ biggest since turning heel and aligning with Paul Heyman, marking a defining moment in his championship run.
After the bell, just as Reigns stood tall, a surprise twist unfolded—Brock Lesnar made his shocking return to WWE. The crowd erupted as Lesnar stared down Reigns, setting the stage for a future showdown between the Beast Incarnate and the Tribal Chief.
In the end, SummerSlam 2021 delivered a main event that lived up to the hype. Reigns vs. Cena wasn’t just about the title—it was a symbolic passing of the torch. Roman Reigns not only defeated one of WWE’s most decorated champions but also reinforced his claim as the face of WWE’s new era. It was a masterful blend of storytelling, physicality, and spectacle—exactly what fans expect from a marquee WWE event.
