Typically, weekly RAW and SmackDown programming does not feature lengthy matches, especially ones nearing an hour long. However, on April 23, 2007, WWE broke this norm with a 56-minute singles match on RAW. Such a lengthy match is rare, even for pay-per-views.
The match took place when RAW was a two-hour show, unlike the three hours we see today. Recently, WWE backstage personality Bruce Prichard discussed this extraordinary match between Shawn Michaels and John Cena on the “Something to Wrestle” podcast.
Bruce Prichard revealed that he had provided an hour’s worth of material to then-WWE writer Brian Gewirtz for the match between Michaels and Cena. Gewirtz’s initial reaction was to call Prichard lazy. At that time, WWE was on a European tour, and the episode of RAW was held in London, England. Gewirtz accused Prichard and his team of not putting in enough effort, leading to dissatisfaction among WWE employees in America due to the extended match on RAW. Nevertheless, Prichard’s team believed in the idea of a long match over multiple segments, and the bout ultimately delivered.
The match was a WrestleMania 23 rematch, minus Cena’s WWE Championship being on the line. The duration was twice that of their previous encounter at WrestleMania, where Cena successfully retained his title.
Since that iconic match, the careers of John Cena and Shawn Michaels have taken different paths. The Heartbreak Kid retired in 2010 and now oversees creative duties for WWE’s developmental brand, NXT. Meanwhile, John Cena has transitioned to a thriving movie career in Hollywood, making occasional appearances in WWE, especially during major events.
Seventeen years later, the 56-minute RAW match between Shawn Michaels and John Cena remains a remarkable highlight in WWE history. It exemplifies the rare occasions when WWE takes bold steps to create unforgettable moments for its audience.
