Today marks 21 years since John Cena joined WWE, so, lets look back at top 10 moments of "You Can't See Me" star

John Cena's contributions to WWE are immeasurable. His ability to connect with fans, his commitment to philanthropy, and his undeniable impact on pop culture have made him a true icon.

John Cena in a file photo. (Image credits: wwe.com)
By Blesson Daniel | Jun 28, 2023 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

John Cena is a professional wrestler, actor, and rapper, is one of the most iconic figures in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Throughout his illustrious career, Cena has achieved remarkable success both inside and outside the squared circle. Today, as we commemorate his 21st anniversary since joining WWE, let’s take a moment to reflect on the top 10 moments of the “You Can’t See Me” star.

John Cena’s impact on WWE cannot be understated. His charisma, in-ring abilities, and unwavering dedication to entertaining the audience helped elevate WWE to new heights. Cena’s unique blend of strength, athleticism, and mic skills endeared him to fans of all ages, making him one of the most popular and polarizing figures in professional wrestling.

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 moments that define John Cena’s legendary career:

1. Debut Against Kurt Angle

On June 27, 2002, a young and promising John Cena made his debut on WWE’s flagship show, SmackDown. His first match was against the Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle. Despite not emerging victorious, Cena’s impressive performance and undeniable charisma caught the attention of the WWE Universe.

2. Winning the United States Championship

In 2004, Cena captured his first championship in WWE by defeating The Big Show to become the United States Champion at WrestleMania XX. This victory marked a significant milestone in Cena’s career, showcasing his rising star power.

3. The Doctor of Thuganomics

Cena’s character evolved into the charismatic rapper known as the “Doctor of Thuganomics.” With his freestyle rap and witty insults, Cena captivated audiences with his unique persona and became a fan favorite.

4. Defeating JBL for the WWE Championship

At WrestleMania 21 in 2005, Cena defeated John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) to capture his first WWE Championship. This victory marked the beginning of Cena’s reign as the face of WWE and set the stage for his dominant championship runs.

5. WrestleMania 22: The Battle against Triple H

Cena successfully defended his WWE Championship against Triple H in a highly anticipated match at WrestleMania 22. The clash between two of WWE’s biggest stars showcased Cena’s resilience and solidified his status as the top dog in the company.

6. “The Champ is Here” – John Cena

Cena popularized the catchphrase “The Champ is Here,” becoming synonymous with his character and championship reigns. The phrase became an iconic rallying cry for his fans and a symbol of his unwavering determination.

7. The Feud with The Rock

Cena’s rivalry with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson transcended the boundaries of WWE. The buildup and subsequent clash between the two at WrestleMania XXVIII and WrestleMania 29 generated immense hype and drew attention from both wrestling and mainstream audiences.

8. The Rise of the “Cena Sucks” Chant

While Cena was beloved by many, he also garnered a significant amount of criticism from a vocal portion of the WWE fanbase. The “Cena Sucks” chant became a polarizing staple of his matches, showcasing the passionate reactions he elicited from audiences.

9. The United States Championship Open Challenge by John Cena

During his United States Championship reign in 2015, Cena instituted an open challenge, offering opportunities to up-and-coming talent. This series of matches not only elevated the prestige of the title but also showcased Cena’s ability to have incredible matches with a diverse range of opponents.

10. Tying Ric Flair’s Championship Record

In 2017, Cena captured his 16th world championship, tying the record set by legendary wrestler Ric Flair. This achievement solidified Cena’s place in WWE history and further cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

John Cena’s contributions to WWE are immeasurable. His ability to connect with fans, his commitment to philanthropy, and his undeniable impact on pop culture have made him a true icon. Whether loved or loathed, Cena’s influence on professional wrestling will continue to resonate for generations to come.

As we celebrate John Cena’s 21st anniversary with WWE, let us reflect on the incredible moments that have shaped his career and left an enduring legacy in the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide.

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