Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

A graphic of WWE legend John Cena in Madison Square Garden (MSG).
November 19, 2025 By  Featured, History, WWE, WWE Universe

Five-Knuckle Garden: John Cena’s Top 5 Madison Square Garden Matches

3. John Cena/The Rock vs The Miz/R-Truth 

Survivor Series on November 20, 2011, at The World’s Most Famous Arena, saw Cena and The Rock battle “Awesome Truth” and was an underrated match that further solidified the iconic rivalry between Cena and The Rock. It was The Rock’s first WWE match in seven years after his last appearance at WrestleMania XX, and it was also the first time that Cena and The Rock teamed up.

This battle took place five months before the “Once in a Lifetime” bout, where Cena and The Rock fought at WrestleMania 28, one of the most anticipated matches in WWE history. 

The Survivor Series match itself was thrilling in large part due to The Rock’s in-ring return at the iconic venue and his friction with Cena, hinting at what would take place after the bout ended. The battle saw Cena and The Rock come out on top, after which The Rock addressed the crowd.

After inviting Cena to join him, The Rock then delivered a Rock Bottom to Cena. The stage would be set for the lead-up to their WrestleMania match months later, which would become one for the history books. 

A graphic of WWE legend John Cena in Madison Square Garden (MSG).
Photo Credit: WWE

About Nicholas Paul

Nicholas is a graduate of Sheridan College's Journalism Program and has been an avid WWE fan since childhood. Nicholas offers analysis of WWE’s narratives and booking strategy, focusing on storytelling and character development. He'll also be offering his opinions on the creative direction and strategic decisions shaping the WWE landscape.