At WrestleMania 39, The United States Champion Austin Theory defeated John Cena via pinfall and successfully retained his United States Championship.
From April 2022, Austin Theory and John Cena had been hinting at a potential match between them via social media. During Cena’s 20-year celebration on Raw’s June 27, 2022 episode, Theory ridiculed Cena and accused him of being out of touch. Following the Elimination Chamber event in February 2023, where Theory successfully defended his United States Championship, he expressed frustration that reporters were inquiring about Cena instead of his own achievements.
Upon learning of Cena’s return on the March 6 episode of Raw, Theory announced that he would welcome him warmly. He then approached Cena and praised him as an inspiration before inviting him to WrestleMania 39 for a title match. Cena initially declined, claiming that Theory was not yet prepared. However, after being encouraged by Theory, Cena allowed the Boston crowd to determine their fate. As they cheered in favor of the match, Cena accepted the challenge. On March 24, it was confirmed that their match would open Night 1 of WrestleMania 39.
Check full WrestleMania 39 Night 1 Results
At WrestleMania 39 opening match, Austin Theory put his US Title on line against the 16-time World Champion John Cena. In a hard fought match, Austin Theory able to retain his US Title using a cheap shot on the John Cena.
At the closing moments of the match, John Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and nails it. Then, Cena goes for the AA again but Theory holds on to the top rope. The referee gets knocked down by Theory. Cena drops him into the STF and Theory taps but the referee is down. Theory with a low blow, then The ATL for the pin to retain in the middle of the ring.