John Cena, “the face that runs the place,” the former 16-time World Champion, recently announced his retirement at Money in the Bank 2024. The WWE Universe was shocked when they discovered that the legend would be officially lacing up his sneakers and stepping away from the squared circle in less than a year.
Love him or hate him, there is no question that his name draws attention. While one of the most prominent wrestlers in WWE, Cena became a household name through many of his projects. How is it that the man who can’t be seen became the face of WWE?
Cena was featured in movies, TV shows, commercials, billboards, etc. Due to his visibility everywhere, more eyes were drawn to professional wrestling. John Cena stepped up in an era without ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and The Rock, especially when transitioning into the ‘PG era.’
John Cena’s influence during this period is undeniable, a testament to his dedication to the sport. Let’s explore his historic career and how he drew attention to professional wrestling.
Make-A-Wish
WWE’s transition from the ‘Ruthless Aggression’ Era to the ‘PG’ Era was drastic. Cena stuck with the company throughout this change and quickly became one of the top stars among children. His never-give-up attitude and mantra of hustle, loyalty, and respect made him a beloved figure among parents.
Cena began participating in the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2002, granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. He still grants wishes to this day and holds the record of granting more wishes than anyone else. He has granted over 650 wishes for sick children.
The world has seen the publicity this has generated, as he has been featured on news and talk shows regarding his participation with the company. Cena has even featured children from the foundation in his WrestleMania 39 entrance, giving them a memory they will never forget.
This publicity of being a child’s hero only drew more attention to the company where John Cena performed every week: WWE. This is partially how the man who says, “You can’t see me,” rose to be the face of the PG Era.
TV and Film
Through the rise of his career, Cena would take a hiatus from wrestling to film movies and TV shows. While that can be frustrating for some wrestling fans, he gained their respect by only returning to the ring if he could return to a full-time status.
Cena has starred in blockbuster movies such as The Suicide Squad, Fast and Furious X, Daddy’s Home, etc. He also did voice acting for many children’s movies like Ferdinand and Scooby-Doo. Cena gained an audience of children and adults by expanding to other projects.
These films, such as The Marine movie, influenced Cena’s persona. After filming that movie, he returned to WWE, bearing American pride. More eyes were drawn to him, not just from these roles but also from the respect he holds and how humble he is.
It wasn’t just movies and TV shows that grew his fanbase, but being one of the top spokespeople for WWE. Cena was and still is featured on late-night talk shows, various news companies, red carpets, and more. Due to this, he made the saying, “the face that runs the place,” true. John Cena was the face of WWE.
Wrestling
This brings me to what started everything for John Cena: wrestling. His creative personas and charisma to draw in a crowd are uncanny. He started in Ohio Valley Wrestling as The Prototype and debuted in WWE in 2002 in the ‘Ruthless Aggression Era.’ This began a road of various personas throughout his career.
Who can forget ‘The Doctor of Thuganomics?’ Then, after his role in The Marine, he transitioned to the American man we know and love. Becoming the ‘Cenation’ leader and preaching to “Never Give Up,” John Cena continuously puts everything he has into these stories, beginning his large following.
Cena has created history in WWE with phenomenal matches and intense promos that just flow off his tongue. He has won 16 World Heavyweight Championships and is tied for winning the most World Heavyweight Titles with Ric Flair. But most importantly, he helped WWE transition into its ‘PG Era.’ Once the audience expanded to children, Cena became the hero for many of them.
There is no doubt that he is a future Hall of Famer based on his endless list of accomplishments and phenomenal career in WWE. You can’t see him, but his impact has been felt among wrestling fans. He touched peoples’ emotions, whether in a ring, behind a camera, or in person—a true wrestling legend.
It will be sad to see him go, and it will be a huge loss for the wrestling community, but it will be exciting to see what project he works on next.
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