Forced to rumble with both The Miz and his lackey, Alex Riley, in tonight’s “I Quit” Match, The Champ almost had his WWE Title taken from him when The Awesome One used a cell phone recording of Cena screaming out in submission to trick the official. But when The Miz’s scheme was revealed, an irate Cena unleashed hell, battering his two opponents before locking in a devastating STF to make his rival scream “I quit!”
It was an unforgettable ending to a bout that is quickly becoming John Cena’s trademark match. The Champ quit? It’s not going to happen. He’s never uttered the words in his life and that’s exactly why he chose this brutal stipulation for tonight’s contest. Having beaten powerhouses like Randy Orton, Batista and JBL in this dangerous environment, Cena knew his unbreakable spirit would give him a serious advantage over his spineless rival.
But The Miz is not an opponent to be taken lightly. Cunning and ruthless, he’s willing to do anything to win — something he proved time and time again during his five-month reign as WWE Champion. Not only did he outwit the likes of John Morrison and Jerry Lawler during his run, but he even managed to walk away from his WrestleMania XXVII showdown with Cena with the title still around his waist.
Tonight, The Awesome One knew he’d have to pull out all the stops if he wanted to leave WWE Over the Limit as champion, which is why he immediately took advantage of the fact that there were no disqualifications. Calling on the aid of his VP of Corporate Communications, The Miz turned the bout into a makeshift Handicap Match and brutally double teamed Cena with Alex Riley from the opening bell. Attacking their loathed enemy with everything that wasn’t nailed down, the vile duo abused The Champ, but he would not give up.When his physicality didn’t get the job done, The Miz borrowed a trick that The Rock used in his 1999 “I Quit” Match against Mankind and played a recording of Cena screaming the only two words that can bring an end to this bout. For a moment, the official was positive that The Champ had submitted and the title was nearly handed to The Cleveland Screamer. It didn’t take long for the sleazy plot to unravel, though, and that’s when Cena snapped.Still cross about losing his WrestleMania XXVII bout against The Miz due to The Rock’s involvement, The Champ took his long brewing fury out on The Awesome One and his toady in the KeyArena. After sending Riley through the announce table with a huge Attitude Adjustment, Cena chased The Miz up the entrance ramp where he smashed him to the ground before locking in a tight STF that made the slimeball cry out in defeat.
It was an amazing performance that once again made one thing abundantly clear — when John Cena is focused he cannot be beaten. There’s no doubt that The Champ’s WrestleMania XXVIII opponent, The Rock, was somewhere watching this match, realizing this very thing.
