In a stunning opener on the November 10 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw from Boston’s TD Garden, John Cena was officially announced to face Dominik Mysterio for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, marking a pivotal moment in Cena’s legendary career. This match not only put the IC title on the line but also set the stage for Cena’s pursuit of becoming a Grand Slam Champion, a milestone he had yet to achieve[1][3].
Triple H Opens Raw with High Praise for Cena
The show began with Triple H in the ring paying tribute to Cena’s storied career. “When you break it down from every category,” Triple H stated, “the greatest of all time is John Cena.” His words set the emotional tone for Cena’s penultimate appearance before his planned retirement match in December. Following the tribute, Cena entered to a thunderous ovation from his hometown crowd, ready to address what was next for him.
Tensions Rise as Dominik Mysterio Interrupts
The atmosphere quickly shifted when Dominik Mysterio interrupted Cena’s promo. Dominik confronted Triple H about some unfinished business from the previous week’s show before turning his attention directly to Cena. He issued a direct challenge and warned Cena to “stay quiet or get taken out,” claiming he was already better than Cena ever was. The candid remarks added fuel to the fire, leading to a tense standoff between Cena and Mysterio amid loud crowd reactions[1][4].
Match Set: Cena vs. Mysterio for the IC Title
Seizing the moment, Triple H officially declared that Dominik Mysterio’s demand for a title shot would be granted that very night. The IC Championship match was booked as Raw’s opening bout, surprising fans and heightening the stakes. The crowd was electric as both competitors prepared for what promised to be a hard-fought contest[1].
The Match: A Boston Showdown Filled with Drama
Dominik Mysterio started aggressively, ambushing Cena during introductions and controlling much of the early action. The match spilled out into the audience reaction throughout the commercial break, showcasing the back-and-forth momentum between the two. Cena mounted a comeback with his signature resilience, applying the STF submission that appeared to make Mysterio tap out—only to have no referee present to call the match, extending the suspense.
Ultimately, Cena reclaimed dominance, overcoming Mysterio’s offensive flurry, including a 619 maneuver. With a mix of veteran savvy and raw power, Cena executed his finishing sequence and pinned Dominik to capture the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career.
John Cena Becomes WWE Grand Slam Champion
With this victory, Cena achieved a significant career milestone by joining the elite club of WWE Grand Slam Champions. Prior to this, Cena had held the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and United States Championship, but the Intercontinental title had eluded him until now. This win not only cements his legacy but also fills the “empty spot on the mantle,” as announcers noted during the broadcast[2][3][5].
According to a WWE insider, “Cena’s Intercontinental title win is more than just another championship; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch for this generation. Achieving the Grand Slam here in Boston, with the passionate hometown crowd behind him, was exactly how Cena wanted to complete this chapter of his career.”
The Significance of the Boston Victory
Cena’s final match in Boston before retirement added extra emotional weight to the victory. His connection with the city and its fans was evident throughout the night, with chants and cheers celebrating his contributions to WWE over the years. The significance resonated both in and out of the ring, marking a grand moment that fans and colleagues alike will remember.
What’s Next for Cena and Mysterio?
Following the intense contest, Cena now carries the Intercontinental Championship into the next phase of his WWE journey. Speculation abounds on how Cena will use the title in the lead-up to his retirement match and whether Dominik Mysterio will seek a rematch to regain lost ground.
Sources close to WWE creative reveal that Mysterio’s brash challenge and disrespect toward Cena are part of a carefully crafted storyline to elevate Dominik’s standing on Raw, positioning him as a prominent antagonist in Cena’s farewell arc.
Final Thoughts
John Cena’s triumph over Dominik Mysterio for the WWE Intercontinental Championship was not just a title change—it was a career-defining moment that enhanced Cena’s legacy as possibly the greatest WWE superstar of all time. Becoming a Grand Slam Champion in his hometown adds a poetic layer to Cena’s heroic journey in professional wrestling.
As Cena’s retirement approaches, fans and analysts eagerly await his final moves in the ring, confident that his WWE farewell will continue to deliver unforgettable moments and history-making achievements.