Isn't John Cena Really More Like Sting?

[Tenta]

Look, this was an epiphany that hit me during my debate with JMT. Good stuff, you should go see it, even though he's wrong about his side. That said, people on this site typically make the comparison between John Cena and Hulk Hogan. Most of this comes from being the face of the biggest show in the Professional Wrestling business, and having the ability to "Cena Up", or some shit like that. That said, in going through my debates, I've discovered that John Cena, in no way, is Hogan incarnate, not at all. If anything, John Cena is really the equivallency of Sting.

Don't believe me? Well, first, let's get something out of the way. I don't mean the Sting of the late 90s, but rather of the late 80s to mid 90s. The same Sting who was a charismatic, chiseled man of a flat top and facepaint. A guy who had the ability to work great matches, but often worked with so much charisma in the ring, the extra moves were really unnecessary. A guy who constantly stood up for the ideals of kids, and had a strong center in what was right. A guy who always had undeniable charisma in the ring, and always left an impression on the microphone.

Look, we can all say John Cena is the new Hulk Hogan. It's not true. John Cena is the creation of Vince McMahon's desire to have his own Sting, the one wrestler in the 90s that he could have made a superstar. Loyal to his own brand, just like John Cena. A "Franchise" who will stay with his company, no matters what happens. I assure you just like Sting would have never left WCW, and never did, John Cena is never going to leave WWE. And the reasons are the exact same; John Cena and Stin are both super loyal to their respective fans, and will never give them anything less than the best.

John Cena as the new Hulk Hogan? Absolutely not. If anything, John Cena is Vince's attempt to create his own Sting

 

[Rasha]

A guy who had the ability to work great matches, but often worked with so much charisma in the ring, the extra moves were really unnecessary. A guy who constantly stood up for the ideals of kids, and had a strong center in what was right. A guy who always had undeniable charisma in the ring, and always left an impression on the microphone.

You just basically described the early Hulkamania days, too. Not trying to argue with you, because it's a fair comparison and interesting take, but your point doesn't really do anything to dispute the Hulk/Cena comparisons.

In fact, many have said that early Sting was WCW's attempt at making their own Hulk, so Cena being "the next Sting" still comes back to Hogan if you look at it from that perspective.

 

[DiscipleofWrestling]

Tenta, that is an excellent point. I was actually wondering a couple days ago while watching a Sting match whether Cena was a big Sting fan because I see a lot of what John does (or tries to do) in the ring as almost Sting-like. As you said, Sting was loyal to his brand the same way it appears Cena is loyal to the WWE brand. He's very popular among the young fans of the company, the same way Sting was with his fanbase in WCW. However, Sting didn't have to deal with the sheer hatred by the young to older male demo that John Cena constantly has to deal with. The closest I ever saw Sting get booed when he shouldn't have been was when I was watching a Sting-Vader match and some fans were chanting "Sting Must Die!" But then again, that's nothing compared to the near weekly abusing Cena has been and to some degree still is taking.

I think it is definitely a fair comparison to say Cena is closer to an attempt to capture Sting's popularity than Hogan's. The comparisons are much more accurate than to compare Cena to Hogan. I just wonder if Cena will follow Sting's path and have a change in gimmick in the next few years like Sting did in 96-97.

 

[mayankeagle]

I don't think Cena is anywhere close to Sting - he is an attempt to create a new Hogan or a new Rock (not a new Austin or a new Undertaker or a new Sting) - I hope you get the difference that I'm talking about. He's just a show-piece to attract fans through his non-wrestling antics (in this case, face and goody goody character), not a wrestler.

 

[tru_overdose]

john cena is unarguably the new version of hulk hogan.

he really has none of the same qualities as sting whatsoever. i just dont see the comparison.

 

[Monkey_Mania]

See, I made this exact same thread two years ago. Most wrestling fans just don't want to like Cena, I dont mind him, but he's not my favorite. Sting is, and I don't have any problem with this comparison. Clean Cut guy, way too much charisma, strong moveset that he uses to his advantage. It's all there. It's just that with too many wrestling fans down on Cena, and Hogan they don't want to lump them in with one of their favorites. Tenta, I strongly agree, it's too bad most wrestling fans are blind.

 

[Tenta]

I don't think Cena is anywhere close to Sting - he is an attempt to create a new Hogan or a new Rock (not a new Austin or a new Undertaker or a new Sting) - I hope you get the difference that I'm talking about. He's just a show-piece to attract fans through his non-wrestling antics (in this case, face and goody goody character), not a wrestler.

I think this is exactly what you're talking about Monkey. It's funny, people don't want to see it, because Sting is so god damned loved. I love Sting as much as the next guy, believe me. That's why, really, it should be an honor for Sting to be compared to Cena. Both were guys who work a power style, and can work great matches. While Hogan typically provided some sub par matches over in the WWE, Sting was probably the best main event worker not named Flair in the early 90s. Cena and Sting work a similar, charismatic style that gets the crowd excited for matches.

Monkey, I wanna see how people melt down when I've compared a favorite to someone they hate. Should be interesting. And sorry for stealing your thread idea, mate

 

[Monkey_Mania]

I think this is exactly what you're talking about Monkey. It's funny, people don't want to see it, because Sting is so god damned loved. I love Sting as much as the next guy, believe me. That's why, really, it should be an honor for Sting to be compared to Cena. Both were guys who work a power style, and can work great matches. While Hogan typically provided some sub par matches over in the WWE, Sting was probably the best main event worker not named Flair in the early 90s. Cena and Sting work a similar, charismatic style that gets the crowd excited for matches.

Monkey, I wanna see how people melt down when I've compared a favorite to someone they hate. Should be interesting. And sorry for stealing your thread idea, mate

Man, don't worry about it. I was really into the idea of it, but people just wanted nothing to do with it. How can people not see it? Is it because Sting jumped for the stinger splash? Is it because he wore face paint? What makes them so different? They each have the same amount of moves, were damn near invincible. I cant count the amount of times Sting got slammed, got up and flexed his muscles like nothing happened, but yet Cena does it, and gets degraded for it.

The similarities here are astounding, except for the fact that Sting never got booed, and that's because he never got shoved down our throats like Cena, who has like 9 world titles in 8 years. But here's the interesting point, Sting had 9 world titles in 9 years, BUT he changed his gimmick to the crow, and didn't get all those titles in less than 5 years. Minor difference or major? It seems to me that the fuckers who DON'T see it consider it a major difference.

 

[WaldoBrown]

oh my gosh i was thinking this the other day as i was watching some old sting matches i watched him against cactus jack than steamboat than vader in that order and than realized he really did remind me of cena cause sting would do that kinda hulk up thing too but it was more just getting pumped dont get me wrong i enjoy watching sting so much more than cena but yeah id say he is WWE's sting and not hogan i cant think of anyone alike hogan maybe batista?? but no he reminds me more of ultimate warrior

 

[slimymeteor]

The similarities here are astounding, except for the fact that Sting never got booed, and that's because he never got shoved down our throats like Cena, who has like 9 world titles in 8 years. But here's the interesting point, Sting had 9 world titles in 9 years, BUT he changed his gimmick to the crow, and didn't get all those titles in less than 5 years. Minor difference or major? It seems to me that the fuckers who DON'T see it consider it a major difference.

You also have to keep in mind that early 90's wrestling is a lot different than it is now. I think the bigger reason for why Sting was never booed and Cena is, is because times have changed. Back then, faces were never booed, and the heels always were. Wrestling was simple. Nowadays, it's much less taboo to boo the good guys, and with Cena being the face of the company, he's going to get that especially.

 

[Theo Mays]

Lets see here. When I first read the title my first thought was "Not sure how this is going down, but it is Tenta, so who knows". And the more I read what you were saying the more I found myself shaking my head in agreement. You can make the Hogan similarities all you want, we know they are there, but bringing Sting into the equation is something I never would have thought of. You also make some excellent points Tenta. Both Sting and Cena had that clean cut image of being the good guy who got you excited. Both worked a very similar offense and both could work the stick and get the crowd into it.

Now I don't think Vince's purpose for Cena was to create his "Sting" I think it is more of a mix of a couple things. I think it is just Vince trying to create that new face. He has similarities to both Hogan and Sting. Hogan was at one point the company guy and then his image became bigger than wrestling and that is what pretty much lead him out of the WWE. Sting was always loyal to his company and his fans and was always there if you ever needed someone to do the job. Cena falls into both those categories. Cena is somewhat mainstream outside of the wrestling world, but you know his loyalty is with the WWE and probably always will be.

 

[mayankeagle]

You also have to keep in mind that early 90's wrestling is a lot different than it is now. I think the bigger reason for why Sting was never booed and Cena is, is because times have changed. Back then, faces were never booed, and the heels always were. Wrestling was simple. Nowadays, it's much less taboo to boo the good guys, and with Cena being the face of the company, he's going to get that especially.

Its not just that - its also that the fans have got more serious now and they have knowledge about who is great and what it takes to be great. Those who have seen the likes of Flair and Steamboat and Sting and Michaels and Undertaker and Austin know that Cena can't wrestle and even his gimmick sucks.

 

[Monkey_Mania]

Its not just that - its also that the fans have got more serious now and they have knowledge about who is great and what it takes to be great. Those who have seen the likes of Flair and Steamboat and Sting and Michaels and Undertaker and Austin know that Cena can't wrestle and even his gimmick sucks.

Half those guys you just mentioned have been doing the same thing for years and years. So how does this hold any merit? These guys are all ring generals and know how to keep the crowd into the match, same as Cena does. Same as Sting did back then too. Please explain this in more detail.

 

[The Holy One]

First of all, I never like it when one wrestler is compared to another such as people saying John Morrison is the new Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton is Stone Cold, Cena is Hogan, etc. There never should be a comparison in the first place unless they are actually copying the gimmick. It puts pressure on the wrestler and if they don't live up to expectations then they are immediately shitted on such as Morrison. With that being said and sorry for getting off topic, I agree with most of what you have said, Tenta.

I see the similarities in the matches that Sting used to have and that Cena has. They both are the straight cut faces with good morales and are the perfect role models. I don't see Cena and Hogan have the same predictable matches nor do I see the similarities in their promos. Cena will show his serious side from time to time and he can be pretty funny imo but I rarely saw that in Hogan but it's not to knock him or anything. I just feel the comparsions b/w the two are just wrong.

However, I don't believe Vince wants Cena to be his Sting. More than anything, I think Vince wanted the next marketable face who can get him the good publicity and can get him a postion in the mainstream media just like Sting and Hogan did.

 

[Wolfdemon]

John Cena is the new John Cena. Vince could care less about trying to groom him into an old success. All Vince wants is the crowd to react in a positive manor and they get that from Cena. He is a fantastic worker and preformer and may share some similar qualities to some old school talents but John Cena is John Cena not the new (insert has been here)

 

[WCWMondayNitroOnYT]

If Sting ever had a title reign over a year like Cena did, then you might have a point. Last time I checked, in this day and age in the E, the only face with a Hogan-esque title reign has been in Cena. Cena is the closest thing to a new Hogan were going to get now. I think you're trying to convince yourself that Cena isn't like Hogan is because that Cena just doesn't have the charisma of Hulk Hogan in his prime. Sting was because Hogan light and, when it all comes down to it, Sting and Cena are different versions of Hogan.

 

[The Holy One]

If Sting ever had a title reign over a year like Cena did, then you might have a point. Last time I checked, in this day and age in the E, the only face with a Hogan-esque title reign has been in Cena. Cena is the closest thing to a new Hogan were going to get now. I think you're trying to convince yourself that Cena isn't like Hogan is because that Cena just doesn't have the charisma of Hulk Hogan in his prime. Sting was because Hogan light and, when it all comes down to it, Sting and Cena are different versions of Hogan.

So I'm curious when did it ever say in his post that he was comparing them using title reigns as a point? With your logic, you can say that about Diesel, JBL, Batista, and Triple H were copies of Hulk Hogan seeing how they had about year long reigns as well. I fail to see how Cena and yet alone Sting can be compared to Hogan other than they were/are all clean cut faces. Sting and Cena went about different ways in being the good guy. Also "Sting was because Hogan light," next time preview your post before you submit it.

 

[WCWMondayNitroOnYT]

So I'm curious when did it ever say in his post that he was comparing them using title reigns as a point? With your logic, you can say that about Diesel, JBL, Batista, and Triple H were copies of Hulk Hogan seeing how they had about year long reigns as well. I fail to see how Cena and yet alone Sting can be compared to Hogan other than they were/are all clean cut faces. Sting and Cena went about different ways in being the good guy. Also "Sting was because Hogan light," next time preview your post before you submit it.

When you think of Hogan in the 80s, (I know it's way before your time young one), he was synonymous with long title reigns. If you look at your generation of wrestlers, the only ones that have had Hogan-like reigns have been Cena and JBL.

How could one possibly compare Cena with Hogan and/or Sting with length of title reigns not being part of the equation?

When you look at the entire picture with their vanilla babyface antics, title reign lengths, etc., it is more than apparent that Cena is more of a new Hogan rather than a new Sting.

Also, being a grammar Nazi only makes you look petty and childish. Everybody makes mistakes. I guess that's par for the course when reading a response of a teenager though.

 

[Tha Wolfpac]

Hey Yo!

Tenta i agree with you, your a smart man. Don't mind half the earlier posters, i swear they think you are talking about the Crow Sting because they don't really know wrestling that far back honestly.

But yeah i remeber the colourful face paint, the blonde flat top, you know each move oozzed charisma and was really a crowd favourite, and damn hell still is. The problem is Sting is a known legend while John Cena is surely a legend in the making no doubt people can't come to accept the comparison between the two. Because is on the Cena is Hogan-like bandwagon.

 

[The Holy One]

When you think of Hogan in the 80s, (I know it's way before your time young one), he was synonymous with long title reigns. If you look at your generation of wrestlers, the only ones that have had Hogan-like reigns have been Cena and JBL.

Hmm, young one makes you sound like a old man. If you want to really be specific no way did Cena or JBL have Hogan like reigns in the first place b/c Hogan held the title for nearly HALF the decade. I guess you forgot that seems like your mind may be slipping.

How could one possibly compare Cena with Hogan and/or Sting with length of title reigns not being part of the equation?

The way Tenta did, he compared Cena to Sting from the way they work in the ring, how they send the positive messages, and their overwhelming charisma. See how easy that is not to include title reigns?

When you look at the entire picture with their vanilla babyface antics, title reign lengths, etc., it is more than apparent that Cena is more of a new Hogan rather than a new Sting.

I fail to see that, Hogan went out there every week eat vitamins say prayers, the usual and the match went beaten up for a while then Hulk Up, punches, big boot, leg drop the end. Cena and Sting will at least mix up their promos when they need too as seen during Cena's angle with the Nexus. They also don't use the same formula for a match as Hogan b/c I haven't seen in a long time whenever Cena goes "Super" that he actually won the match after doing so.

Also, being a grammar Nazi only makes you look petty and childish. Everybody makes mistakes. I guess that's par for the course when reading a response of a teenager though.

Not really, I was just trying to make your post a little credible by at least being correctly spelt but you're right everybody makes mistakes such as your past two posts.

 

[secret titan]

I actually like the Cena/Sting comparison much better than the Hogan one. While I'm not fully familiar with the early Sting, I do know he was loyal to the brand and the fans. Cena is definitely showing the same loyalty and you can tell he goes out every week to put on a show... and he does just that. I know many people like to say Cena only knows 5 moves, but in reality, those same people would jump on the Cena bandwagon if he turned heel.