As I watched from the ringside at Monday Night Raw in Boston this November 2025, I couldn't help but feel the electric energy in the arena. John Cena, a name synonymous with WWE greatness for over two decades, finally captured the one title that had eluded him throughout his storied career—the Intercontinental Championship. In a dramatic showdown against "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Cena not only secured the belt but also cemented his legacy as a Grand Slam Champion, joining an elite group of just 25 superstars in WWE history. Could anyone have predicted that after all these years, the man who debuted against Kurt Angle would complete this monumental feat? 🎉

Reflecting on Cena's journey, it's astonishing to realize how close he came to missing out. With 26 different title reigns under his belt, including two Royal Rumble wins and the Money in the Bank contract in 2012, the Intercontinental Championship was the glaring omission. Why did this one title matter so much? Because it was the final piece needed to achieve Grand Slam status—a distinction reserved for those who have won the World, United States, Intercontinental, and Tag Team championships. Before Cena, only 24 others had accomplished this, with Kurt Angle being the first and Finn Balor the most recent in 2023. Now, in 2025, Cena adds his name to that exclusive list, showcasing his unparalleled longevity at the peak of professional wrestling.

The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, unfolding live before my eyes. It all started when Triple H, WWE's COO, declared an impromptu title bout after Mysterio interrupted Cena's homecoming. As Mysterio tried to flee, Cena pursued him up the ramp, setting the stage for a brutal encounter. What followed was a masterclass in resilience: after being thrown into the steel steps, Cena barely beat the 10-count to re-enter the ring. The drama escalated with Mysterio's underhanded tactics—he faked an injury with a chair, hoping to trick the referee into disqualifying Cena. But did Cena fall for it? No, he mimicked the move, turning the tables in a moment of pure genius. In the chaos, Cena accidentally knocked out the referee while applying the STF, forcing a tap-out that went uncalled. Just when it seemed like Mysterio might escape, Cena countered a Frog Splash attempt into his signature Attitude Adjustment, sealing the win amidst thunderous cheers and fireworks. Isn't it incredible how a veteran like Cena can still outsmart the younger generation?

This victory isn't just about adding another title to Cena's collection; it symbolizes the culmination of a 21-year journey since his first United States title win. To put it in perspective, here's a quick look at Cena's key achievements that led to this Grand Slam:

• Title Reigns: 26 in total, spanning multiple championships.

• Major Wins:

• Money in the Bank (2012)

• Royal Rumble (twice)

• And now, Intercontinental Championship (2025)

• Grand Slam Milestones:

• World Championship ✅

• United States Championship ✅

• Tag Team Championship ✅

• Intercontinental Championship ✅

With this win, Cena has not only etched his name in history but also added a new layer to the upcoming Last Time Is Now Tournament. What does this mean for his final opponent? It promises a shot at Intercontinental gold, making the stakes higher than ever. As a reporter, I can confirm that the backstage celebration was iconic—Triple H posted a photo with Cena on social media, captioned simply "Grand. Slam. GOAT." 🏆

In wrapping up, Cena's triumph serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring impact on WWE. At 48 years old, he's proven that legends never fade; they evolve. Fans around the world are buzzing with excitement—what's next for the Doctor of Thuganomics? Only time will tell, but for now, we celebrate a true GOAT moment.

Industry analysis is available through Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and expert commentary. Eurogamer's coverage of WWE games and major wrestling events often emphasizes the significance of milestone achievements like John Cena's Grand Slam, exploring how such moments resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.