🥊 FULL FIGHT: Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena — Backlash 2003
Event: WWE Backlash 2003
Date: April 27, 2003
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Match Type: WWE Championship Match
Participants:
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Brock Lesnar (Champion)
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John Cena (Challenger)
🏁 Background Story
By early 2003, the WWE landscape was shifting.
Brock Lesnar had just reclaimed the WWE Championship after defeating Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XIX, solidifying his status as “The Next Big Thing.” A monster athlete, Lesnar was dominating opponents with his raw power and unmatched intensity.
Meanwhile, a young John Cena, still in his early “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, was rising fast. Dressed in throwback jerseys and rapping his way to the ring, Cena had been gaining attention with his freestyle insults and bold attitude. After defeating Eddie Guerrero, Undertaker, and Chris Benoit in earlier matches, Cena earned his first major title shot — against none other than Brock Lesnar.
For Cena, this wasn’t just about gold; it was about proving himself as a legitimate main-event player. For Lesnar, it was about crushing the new loudmouth who dared to challenge his throne.
🔔 The Fight Begins
The atmosphere inside the DCU Center was electric. Cena entered first, rapping his way down the ramp, mocking Lesnar with bars that included lines like,
“I’m gonna make Brock Lesnar my servant,
He’ll be carrying my bags, calling me Mr. Permanent!”
The crowd loved it — half cheering, half booing.
Then came Lesnar — silent, no words, no theatrics. Just raw energy and intimidation.
The bell rang, and Cena immediately went for a brawl-style attack, using quick jabs and kicks to slow Lesnar down. But Lesnar’s power turned the tide almost instantly. Within moments, Cena found himself on the mat, tossed around like a ragdoll.
Lesnar’s suplex game was brutal — German suplex, belly-to-belly, side slam — one after another. Cena tried to escape outside the ring, using cheap shots and ring-post attacks to create distance.
⚡ Key Match Moments
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Cena’s Ruthless Tactics:
Cena played the villain role perfectly. He exposed the steel turnbuckle and hit Lesnar with the chain — something he had been teasing in previous weeks. The referee missed it, giving Cena a near-fall and shocking the crowd. -
Lesnar’s Comeback:
Despite the low blows and chair shots, Lesnar’s stamina showed why he was called “The Beast.” With blood trickling down his forehead, he powered up, countered Cena’s FU (later renamed the Attitude Adjustment), and unleashed a devastating spinebuster. -
F-5 Finale:
In the closing moments, Cena attempted to lift Lesnar for another FU, but Brock reversed it in mid-motion, hoisted Cena on his shoulders, and delivered a thunderous F-5 in the center of the ring.1... 2... 3!
Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Championship.
🏆 Aftermath & Legacy
This fight marked John Cena’s first major pay-per-view main event — a preview of the superstar he would later become. Though he lost, his charisma and toughness earned him massive respect from fans and management alike.
For Lesnar, Backlash 2003 cemented him as a true champion capable of carrying WWE’s top title. He was unstoppable — a combination of strength, speed, and technique that no one could match at the time.
The feud also planted seeds for future rivalries between Cena and Lesnar, which would reignite over a decade later in epic battles at Extreme Rules 2012 and SummerSlam 2014.
🧩 Quick Stats Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Backlash 2003 |
| Date | April 27, 2003 |
| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Title on the Line | WWE Championship |
| Winner | Brock Lesnar |
| Finisher Used | F-5 |
| Match Length | ~15 minutes |
| Rivalry Type | Champion vs. Rising Star |
| Crowd Reaction | Mixed – cheers for Lesnar, boos & laughs for Cena |
| Significance | Cena’s first WWE title shot |
💬 Final Thoughts
The Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena (Backlash 2003) match was more than just a championship defense — it was the moment WWE’s future collided with its present. Cena’s swagger and Lesnar’s ferocity created a perfect balance of showmanship and raw athleticism.
While Lesnar walked out the winner, Cena walked out a star in the making — one that would eventually become the face of WWE for over a decade.
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