IS THE LYON CROWD UP TO THE TASK?
Following the assault suffered at SummerSlam at the hands of the Beast Brock Lesnar, WWE had chosen a surprising opponent for John Cena while awaiting the Beast’s return in the person of Logan Paul. A heel as talented as he is effective, the young star had the honor of being one of the final opponents of the 17-time world champion on his farewell tour in 2025. On August 29, 2025, the Maverick was heavily booed by the Lyon crowd at the LDLC Arena as he made his entrance.
This arena had left a lasting impression more than a year earlier, during the unforgettable Backlash 2024. The American company did not hesitate to return to Lyon to relive that unique atmosphere. The perfect opportunity for John Cena to receive a gigantic live reaction.
A few days before SmackDown pre-Clash in Paris, John Cena had stated the following in an interview with Jimmy Fallon: “I can’t wait to come to France in a few weeks. I’ve never heard what people call the best crowd in WWE history.” A statement that already sets the tone.
John Cena says he’s looking forward to going to France to witness the greatest wrestling crowd of all time.
“I’m looking forward, in a few weeks, to going to France. I’ve never heard the so-called greatest crowd in WWE history.”
CENA IN FRANCE WOULD BE EPIC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Iy6xbUWdDE
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) August 14, 2025
And precisely, while Logan Paul continued his monologue still booed by the crowd, the Champ entered to the ovation of the audience, who sang along to his entrance music. Cena was thrilled to witness this magnificent atmosphere. He dismantled his opponent with a mic promo on the blue brand show, and invited him to the ring, on August 31 at Clash in Paris.
JOHN CENA VS LOGAN PAUL
John Cena saw Logan Paul as a colossal star. But facing his arrogance, the former world champion had to put him in his place. The West Newbury native entered to an ovation from the crowd. A banner reading “Thank You Cena” was held aloft: the fans were engaged. Cena relishes this delicious atmosphere, and points to the camera as the numerous fans chant his name. His last match in France would take place here, at the Paris La Défense Arena.
The commentators Christophe Agius and Philippe Chéreau couldn’t agree, the fans were in attendance. The Maverick dominated the early portions of the bout, while the crowd hurled the first insults. The match was slow and methodical; Cena took a lot of punishment but did not quit. Exhausted, John delivered a Styles Clash during the match to the delight of the French. After 26 long, exhausting minutes for a Cena nearing fifty, the match ended with an Attitude Adjustment. John had poured his heart into the show, delivering a fight that was more than decent. Later, the Champ would say he felt like WrestleMania here, in France.
Between 2007 and 2014, John Cena participated in 20 non-televised matches in France. But this August 31 date was obviously the most significant in John Cena’s history in France. French fans would not see him in action again, sure. But the supporters would have a new favorite to cheer for when WWE returns to the hexagon.
The match between John Cena and Logan Paul at Clash in Paris is available on YouTube!
