WATCH: John Cena gets emotional following a warm reception at WrestleMania

The 16-time World Champion shared a heartfelt moment with the WWE Universe as he makes his return to the Grandest Stage of Them All after two year.

WATCH: John Cena gets emotional following a warm reception at WrestleMania

John Cena addresses the WWE Universe WrestleMania 39 (via WWE)

The festivities finally began in Hollywood as WrestleMania 39 kicked off with the United States Championship match. And it was a dream come true for Austin Theory, walking on the grandest stage as the Champion against one of the biggest stars in the industry, John Cena.

As advertised beforehand, the Champion and the Challenger made their way to the ring in the first match of the card. The Cenation Leader was looking to repeat history as he looked to win the US title at the first match of WrestleMania, just like he did almost two decades ago. To start off his entrance, Cena shared a heartfelt moment with children from Make-a-Wish Foundation up the ramp.

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It was an emotional ride for John Cena who was making an appearance at WrestleMania after two years. The Hollywood star’s last appearance in front of the fans was at WrestleMania 35 when he returned as the Doctor of Thuganomics. As a result of his acting career, he is rarely seen at WWE, only showing up to such big events once in a while.

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This realization for John Cena was a touching moment as he showed his gratitude to the WWE Universe midway through his match. During a five-knuckle-shuffle, the challenger just stops and folds his hand to thank the crowd. This was followed by the packed SoFi Stadium chanting “You can’t see me” along with John Cena.

Related: “Not a great start,” WWE universe fumes as Austin Theory retains his title against John Cena in a lethargic match

Austin Theory register an upset over John Cena at WrestleMania

Austin Theory John Cena WrestleMania
Austin Theory stands above John Cena at WrestleMania 39 (via WWE)

The US Champion, on the other hand, tried every means to spoil the big moment for the returning superstar. Austin Theory dominated John Cena for the most part thanks to him biting his ear. It was only a matter of time, though, until John Cena regained control of the match and even made Austin Theory tap out to the STF. However, the referee was accidentally knocked out moments before this, missing the submission.

Austin Theory wasn’t the one who could’ve let this opportunity slip. The 25-year-old hit his opponent with a low blow behind the referee’s back, to a row of boos from the WWE Universe. Austin Theory followed the offense with A-Town Down and pinned John Cena at the Grandest Stage of Them all. The victory was a pleasant surprise, as the young protege got the biggest win of his career. WWE Universe never knows when they will get to see John Cena again. Hence, it was a nice moment for him to put over a young star like Austin Theory at the business end of his career.

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