As seen on this week’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown, John Cena made his in-ring return after well over a year and teamed up with Kevin Owens. They squared off against Roman Reigns and The Bloodline in the main event of the show.
After a hard-fought battle, it was Cena and Owens who stood tall, as they handed Roman Reigns his second loss of 2022. According to PWInsider, after the match, Cena addressed fans at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
This year was the first year that [wrestling a WWE match] wasn’t supposed to happen,” Cena admitted. “So, 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. But most importantly, I want to thank all of you – and for all the hard work and sacrifice [you put in] to come and see us week in and week out! None of this exists with you!”
“Thank you for a wonderful 20-year run, and for a wonderful 2022. Everybody be safe tomorrow night, and let’s have one hell of a 2023! Thank you, Tampa Bay.”
John Cena after SmackDown
John Cena was ambushed by Zayn and The Usos after the show went off the air. Drew McIntyre and The Brawling Brutes came out and saved Cena immediately after that. WWE also has a huge match planned for John Cena at WrestleMania 39, so it remains to be seen how the company will prepare for the feud in the coming weeks.
H/T to PWInsider.com
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