John Cena: From “The Prototype” to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

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Time is Running Out: John Cena and the End of an Era in WWE

The iconic John Cena, known for his entrance theme “My Time Is Now”, is preparing to hang up his boots. After announcing his retirement for 2025, each match is one step closer to the end of his legendary career. Wrestling fans and followers are preparing to say goodbye to a legend at WWE’s Wrestlepalooza event in Indianapolis. For those joining the farewell tour and for those who wish to relive a remarkable career both in and out of the ring, we present the “John Cena Eras Tour”.

The Protagonist: Cena’s Beginnings

In 2001, WWE hired John Cena, a former American football player and aspiring bodybuilder. In his early days, Cena was known as “The Prototype”, a character presented as half man and half machine.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

John Cena’s 23-year career in WWE will come to an end at the end of 2025.

Relentless Aggression: Cena’s Debut

In June 2002, Cena burst onto “SmackDown” challenging Kurt Angle. Confident and showing an aggressive attitude, Cena introduced himself to Angle, starting his career in WWE.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

The Doctor of Thuganomics: Dinner Like a Rapper

Cena evolved, adopting the persona of a Boston rapper. With phrases like “Word Life” and his entrance theme “Basic Thuganomics”, Cena became an antagonist, generating mixed reactions among the fans.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

The Reign of the “Spinner Belt” (First World Title)

Cena won his first world title and customized the belt, creating the iconic “Spinner Belt”. This belt became a symbol of his character and a bestseller for fans.

The PG Era: The Face of WWE

With the WWE’s transition to the PG era, Cena became the hero for the whole family, preaching “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect”.

The Nexus: A Challenge for Cena

In 2010, the arrival of Nexus posed a challenge. This group of young wrestlers attacked Cena, generating controversy about their impact on the careers of other wrestlers.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

Two Times in Life vs. The Rock

The Rock’s return in 2011 led to an epic rivalry with Cena, culminating in two WrestleMania matches. Cena and The Rock starred in memorable matches, including the main event of WrestleMania XXVIII.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

The United States Open Challenge

Cena revived his debut by responding to an open challenge from Kurt Angle. This led to a series of weekly matches with different opponents, generating anticipation among the fans.

Matching the Record

Cena equaled Ric Flair’s record of 16 world championships, a historic achievement that generated great excitement among fans.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career
Cena entered the Guinness Book of Records for granting the most wishes in the history of the Make-A-Wish organization, with 650 and counting. This achievement is a testament to his impact outside the ring.

Dinner in Hollywood

After tying Flair’s record, Cena became a superstar. His acting career took off, with roles in films like “Blockers” and “Bumblebee”, as well as his role in “The Fast and the Furious”. In 2020, Cena faced Bray Wyatt’s character, “The Fiend”, in a cinematic match that explored various eras of WWE.

Retreat Tour

After announcing his retirement, Cena sought one last championship. At WrestleMania, Cena faced Cody Rhodes and finally won the WWE championship for the seventeenth time, surpassing Ric Flair’s record.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career

The Return to the Face

Cena defended his title against Randy Orton and CM Punk before being challenged by Rhodes for a rematch at SummerSlam. Cena faced Rhodes, acknowledging that he had underestimated him and that he regretted his actions. At SummerSlam, Rhodes defeated Cena.
John Cena: From "The Prototype" to WWE Legend, A Look Back at His Career
With the end of his retirement tour, Cena returned to being the idol of the public, a return to his beginnings. John Cena’s legacy is about to conclude, but his impact on wrestling will last forever.
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