Ten Years of Open Challenges: Remembering John Cena's Iconic U.S. Title Run

Ten years ago today, Monday Night Raw witnessed the beginning of a phenomenon that would redefine the United States Championship.

John Cena, already a veteran in WWE, sought to revitalize his image and elevate the prestige of the U.S. title by introducing the U.S. Open Challenge—a weekly opportunity for any wrestler to step up and challenge him for the championship.

The first challenge took place on March 30, 2015, following Cena’s victory over Rusev at WrestleMania 31, marking a pivotal moment in WWE history.

The inaugural challenge saw Dean Ambrose step up to face Cena in a hard-fought match that set the tone for what was to come. The crowd and wrestling pundits immediately recognized the brilliance of the concept, as it promised unpredictability and showcased talent across WWE’s roster.

The U.S. Open Challenge transformed the United States Championship from a mid-card title into a prestigious prize. Cena faced a diverse array of opponents—rising stars like Sami Zayn and Neville, established veterans such as Kane, and surprise appearances like Kevin Owens’ debut on the main roster.

The emotional connection with the audience was unparalleled. Fans eagerly anticipated each week’s challenger, creating a sense of excitement rarely seen in wrestling. Cena himself described the challenge as an opportunity to spotlight performers and give back to WWE, emphasizing its role in elevating mid-card talent.

Cena explained that the Open Challenge was inspired by his own start in WWE—a way to give others similar opportunities. He viewed it as a platform for performers to showcase their abilities on a grand stage while pushing himself to adapt his in-ring style to keep matches fresh and engaging.

The U.S. Open Challenge concluded at Hell in a Cell 2015 when Alberto Del Rio defeated Cena in a surprise return match. While this ending was underwhelming for some fans, it didn’t diminish the legacy of Cena’s reign.

Reflecting on this era, Cena’s U.S. Title reign remains one of the most celebrated chapters in wrestling history—a testament to his dedication to both his craft and the future of WWE.