John Cena is one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. With a career spanning over two decades, he has become a household name, transcending the world of professional wrestling. Let’s take a detailed look at the journey of John Cena, from his early days to his status as a WWE legend.
Also read: Roman Reigns’ Historic Title Reign: 1,316 Days of Dominance
Early Career and Rise to Fame
John Cena made his WWE debut on June 27, 2002, answering Kurt Angle’s open challenge. Though he lost the match, his performance impressed both fans and WWE officials. Cena quickly became known for his “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, characterized by his rapping skills, charisma, and rebellious attitude.
Championship Success
John Cena’s first major championship victory came at WrestleMania 20 in 2004 when he defeated Big Show to win the United States Championship. This victory marked the beginning of Cena’s ascent to the top of WWE.
WWE Championship Wins
- First WWE Championship: At WrestleMania 21 in 2005, Cena defeated JBL to win his first WWE Championship.
- Multiple-time Champion: Cena has held the WWE Championship a record 13 times and the World Heavyweight Championship 3 times, making him a 16-time world champion, tying the record set by Ric Flair.
Memorable Feuds
Throughout his career, Cena has had numerous memorable feuds with some of WWE’s biggest stars:
- Edge: Cena and Edge had a heated rivalry, with their matches often headlining major events. Their TLC match at Unforgiven 2006 is considered one of the best in WWE history.
- Randy Orton: Cena’s rivalry with Randy Orton spanned over a decade, with both men fighting for supremacy in WWE.
- CM Punk: Cena’s feud with CM Punk reached its peak at Money in the Bank 2011, where Punk defeated Cena in a match considered one of the greatest of all time.
- The Rock: Cena faced The Rock in two WrestleMania main events, WrestleMania 28 and WrestleMania 29. Their first match was billed as “Once in a Lifetime” and was a major box-office success.
WrestleMania Main Events
John Cena has headlined WrestleMania multiple times, solidifying his status as a top draw in WWE:
- WrestleMania 22: Defeated Triple H to retain the WWE Championship.
- WrestleMania 23: Defeated Shawn Michaels to retain the WWE Championship.
- WrestleMania 27: Faced The Miz for the WWE Championship (The Rock interfered).
- WrestleMania 28: Faced The Rock.
- WrestleMania 29: Defeated The Rock to win the WWE Championship.
Other Achievements
- Royal Rumble Winner: 2008 and 2013.
- Money in the Bank Winner: 2012.
- United States Championship: 5-time champion.
- Tag Team Championships: 4-time champion (with various partners).
- Slammy Awards: Multiple-time winner for categories like Superstar of the Year.
Beyond Wrestling
John Cena has successfully transitioned into Hollywood, starring in major films such as “Trainwreck,” “Blockers,” “Bumblebee,” and “The Suicide Squad.” He has also been a dedicated philanthropist, granting over 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the most by any individual.
Legacy
John Cena’s impact on WWE and popular culture is undeniable. His catchphrase “Never Give Up” has inspired millions of fans worldwide. Cena’s work ethic, dedication, and passion for wrestling have made him one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. Even as he focuses more on his acting career, his legacy in WWE remains unmatched.
