Just the title of this article could have easily deterred you from opening this article. I thank you for taking the chance and clicking on the link.
I like John Cena, and not just because he’s a great role model for kids and though I’ve never met him, he seems like a genuinely good human.
I think he’s a pretty damn good wrestler.
Just that last sentence could have easily deterred you from continuing to read this column. I sincerely thank you for sticking around.
Anyhow, yea, I think John Cena is a pretty good wrestler. He’s not my all time favorite wrestler. He’s actually far from my all time favorite when I judge him solely on his in-ring ability. Shawn Michaels. Chris Jericho. Steve Austin. Bret Hart. CM Punk. Kurt Angle. Jimmy Del Ray. I’d put all of them above Cena when it comes to all time in-ring wrestlers. If you wanna talk my top all around favorite wrestlers, performers, and interviews, I think Cena would definitely be in my top ten. I don’t know if I could ever bring myself to purchase and wear a brightly colored “Never Give Up” shirt in public– or in private– but I would definitely say Cena is one of my favorites.
Maybe it’s the wrestler in me talking, but I respect the hell out of John Cena and his work ethic. For over a decade, Cena has gone above and beyond the call of duty outside of the squared circle. When he isn’t wrestling or traveling to the next town, he makes endless media appearances via radio and television. He has fufilled hundreds of Make-A-Wishes– more than anyone else ever in fact. When he’s done with those things, he still has to make time for lifting, eating, family, and sleep. Darren Young calls himself “Mr. No Days Off,” but that moniker truly belongs to Cena.
I talk about Cena’s work ethic outside the ring, but don’t think I don’t see his dedication to his craft within the ring. He gets a lot of criticism, but John Cena has memorable matches and moments with some of the all time greats, and it hasn’t always been a case of the other guy “carrying” Cena. There are little things John does– facials, movements, timing– that help the story that he and his adversary are trying to tell within the ring… things that not all wrestlers have.
Think about Ultimate Warrior for a second. He isn’t one that’s known for extremely long or incredible matches. One of his absolute best, however, was his WrestleMania VII match with Randy Savage. There are certain things The Warrior did in that match– looking up to the sky and questioning the power of his Gods, or even just wearing the trunks with the WWF Championship on it that said “Means Much More Than This,”– that painted a much more beautiful and colorful picture. It’s storytelling. Cena is a master at things like this. Go back and watch his matches with Wyatt. Orton. Edge. Lesnar.
This week on Raw, Cena wrestled Sami Zayn, and Zayn came up on the losing end. The IWC was in an uproar.
“This is why I hate John Cena,” wrote one fan.
“Zayn comes to the main roster and is already being buried,” wrote another fan, apparently not knowing how to properly use the term “buried” in the context of pro wrestling.
John Cena, easily one of the top ten biggest stars in the history of wrestling, gave Sami Zayn a match in his Raw debut that not only showcased his athletic ability and charisma, but he gave him a competitive match that made him look like a legitimate contender to anyone on the main roster. Cena is often compared to Hogan in his prime. Do you think Hogan would have done that in his position, at his peak, on free television? Doubtful.
I’m writing this late, and I feel like I’m rambling somewhat incoherently. I’m not trying to change your opinion. If you hate Cena, chances are you’ll always hate him, and vice versa. Talking to Zach Gowen this weekend though, I think he said it best.
“I think people will look at John Cena’s run a decade from now and appreciate it and his work a whole lot more.”
I think so. What do you think?
Friday I’ll be in Lakewood, Ohio for Olde Wrestling. Check them out at www.oldewrestling.com.
-Greg
