John Cena and Austin Theory for the US title kicked off WWE WrestleMania 39 from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This was John Cena’s first advertised, full-length singles match at WrestleMania since 2015 against Rusev.
Cena started the match by outwrestling Theory with fundamentals. Theory quickly then took over the match as the pace picked up. Theory tried to double up on a technique; Cena countered with an Attitude Adjustment, but Theory wiggled free
Cena was on the verge of victory after hoisting Theory up for another Attitude Adjustment, but the referee took a spill after Theory’s legs caught him in the face. Cena transitioned into an STF and forced a tap from Theory.
Vintage @JohnCena submits #USChampion @_Theory1 at #WrestleMania … but the referee didn’t see it! pic.twitter.com/cszCK5opBv
— WWE (@WWE) April 2, 2023
Unfortunately for Cena the referee was unconscious, and Cena let go of the hold. Theory then capitalized, landing the A-Town Down on John Cena to keep ahold of the U.S. title.
