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WATCH: Ashley Cooke Delivers Powerful Performance of ‘God Bless America’ During John Cena's Emotional WWE Raw Farewell

November 18, 2025 12:09 pm GMT

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Apparently John Cena made his final WWE Raw appearance last night, but we couldn't see him anywhere...

Ashley Cooke delivered an enchanting performance of Irving Berlin's patriotic anthem, ‘God Bless America’, during Cena's emotional farewell at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Cooke looked calm and collected as she stepped into the ring, aptly donning a waistcoat adorned with a John Cena montage, with the Florida native proceeding to serenade the packed-out crowd with a stunning, evocative take on the powerful song. Penned by Berlin, the track exploded in popularity when Kate Smith released her now-iconic version of ‘God Bless America’ shortly before WWII in 1938.

Cooke's appearance comes hot on the heels of the ‘never til now’ singer-songwriter releasing her widely lauded new record, ace, featuring the viral earworm, ‘baby blues’.

It consolidates the ‘your place’ crooner as one of the most consistent artists in the contemporary country scene of the past few years, with Cooke's latest project ensuring the anticipation remains through the roof ahead of her sophomore album.

Taking the stage for a song such as ‘God Bless America’ or for the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ carries a level of pressure with it, especially given how a number of artists in recent years have drawn flak for their renditions of the latter, such as Warren Zeiders and Ingrid Andress. Thankfully, though, Cooke delivered a stellar rendition of the 1918 battle-cry, with the ‘it's been a year’ hitmaker showcasing her sleek, compelling vocals throughout the enchanting performance.

Later in the evening, Cena made his record-breaking 545th WWE Raw appearance, with the wrestling legend bidding adieu to his beloved arena with a final triumph.

For more on Ashley Cooke, see below:

Written by Maxim Mower
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