John Cena will end up the greatest wrestler in Pro Wrestling History

[LEGEND KILLER]

cena is 1 of the best right now in the same boat as Orton, Triple H, Micheals etc. BUT he isnt a great wrestler by any means. He has great mic skills which i believe compare him to the Rock, but his in ring skill besides brute strength put him average at best. Will he be a hall of famer? yes but if he was in the Austin, Rock, even Hogan era i wouldnt see him as a multiple time WWE champ i would see him as a 1 max 2 time. Thats my 2 cents but dont get me wrong he is 1 of the best NOW with the washed down talent pool WWE has available.

 

[CenaSux4Life78]

My opinion of Cena is basically he sucks. Yes, he has great mic skills. But as an in ring performer, what has he really brought us? Nothing memorable. If this was back in the day like the Hogan era, he would barley make mid-card status. That is assuming that Vince felt nice.

 

[silrock316]

Fair enough and I too respect Cena for his dedication to the WWE and US the fans. I just think he is forced down our throats more than any other superstar this side of HHH. All of the greats that we are mentioning had their careers dictated by US the fans. Without us, Austin, Rock, Hogan, none of them would be anything, whereas I feel Vince and the creative team will push Cena at us regardless of cheer or boo.

Again, I do apologize if I even came off rude, I am from Philly and I tend to be more blunt than the average person. I appreciate you responding.

 

[Starchild]

As far as a wrestler goes, Cena will never sniff the top echelon which includes guys like Flair, Michaels, Angle, Benoit, Jericho just to name a few.
But as far as an entertainer, he is the man right now and I hope he continues to be so for the 10-15 years that we know he has left in him. He is the present and near future equivalent (or as close as we're gonna get) to Hogan, Rock, or Austin.
I don't think anyone will ever, and I mean never top Hogan. He was a superface that just fought the whole world almost single-handedly and took them all down..an American hero. I think Austin is as close as anyone is going to get to catching him. He led the more rebel stage which was my and many people's favorite era in wrestling history. But even so I'd put Hogan ahead of Austin on this list.
That being said, I think it is entirely possible for Cena to pass the Rock. Sure, he isn't as good in the ring or as entertaining on the mic but he sure can sell tickets and merchandise like him. The reason why I say he could surpass him is because the Rock left so very early, something that we are all still and will likely forever be saddened about because he was one of my favorites and I'm sure one of most of yours'. So I could see Cena passing him IF and ONLY IF he does not leave early. If he really makes this his career and not a stepping stone to Hollywood or anywhere else. From what I've seen, heard, and read of Cena it seems like he has a great passion for the business and that he will stay for the long haul which may well put him #3 by the end of his career.
Time will tell...

 

[mikeRC]

I think Slyfox is right on the money.Most definitely in Vince McMahons eyes anyway. Cena will continue to main event most PPVs and Wrestlemanias, he'll continue to sell a lot of merchandise. Cena is and will reach the type of fame that men like Hogan, Austin and The Rock have reached but the only thing that will be different will be his devotion to the company. The name Hulk Hogan was arguably bigger than WWF or WCW and the same goes for Stone Cold or The Rock. But John Cena will not allow his name to become bigger than WWE. With every outside activity Cena has been involved in he has plugged the WWE. A rap album under WWE, two films (and maybe more) under WWE, outside interviews representing WWE. John Cena will ensure that the WWE name grows with him and that is why i think he'll go down as a godsend for WWE and i hope he reaches a status higher than that of the Hulkster.

 

[Stoppa]

When I saw the title I felt like I had just driven by a ten car pile up, knew there would be screaming, blood, and tangible agony, yet despite my efforts, I had to stop and gawk.

So here I am.

Yes. I agree. John Cena will indeed go down in history as the greatest of the great in professional wrestling.

And alongside him, I vote for the Ding Dongs as greatest tag team, Hulk Hogan as greatest technician, Tully Blanchard as worst heel.

Oooo..is that pink pony I see frolicking in the midst of those neon purple-bottomed aardvarks?

...the pretty colors...the pret-..ooh..a talking 'shroom...

 

[Miko]

When I saw the title I felt like I had just driven by a ten car pile up, knew there would be screaming, blood, and tangible agony, yet despite my efforts, I had to stop and gawk.

I agree, I once saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . well anyway.

So here I am.

Hello

Yes. I agree. John Cena will indeed go down in history as the greatest of the great in professional wrestling.

I'd say he's already reached the status of one of the greats, we agree.

And alongside him, I vote for the Ding Dongs as greatest tag team, Hulk Hogan as greatest technician, Tully Blanchard as worst heel.

I am not gonna lie to you, I've only heard of Hogan from that list. My guess is you was being sarcastic yes?

Oooo..is that pink pony I see frolicking in the midst of those neon purple-bottomed aardvarks?

I am looking but I cant see it.

...the pretty colors...the pret-..ooh..a talking 'shroom...

Are you alright?

Well anyway here we are, I have managed to deduce that you dont think John Cena will be one of the greats. I am not sure however as you seem high and I am incredibly drunk. How sad is that?

Anyway, I was going to address your theory on Cena not going down as one of the greats but I dont think you have one. So I think this post will have to do. All I can say is, respond with reasons please.

 

[Stoppa]

Not knowing the Ding Dongs is more than forgivable.

Not knowing who Tully Blanchard is, is indicative of your age, and that you are probably an "attitude era" band wagon fan. Which is NOT forgivable. Your opinions are hereafter invalid. And the fact that you consider Cena to be "one of the greats already" takes an already invalid opinion and puts a bullet in its temple for a mercy kill.

My sarcasm, sadly you had to ASK if that was sarcasm, made my feelings toward this topic quite clear. But then again, I'm attempting to reason with a guy who thinks Cena's great and seems to be quite proud of knowing who Hogan is. So I'll try to type slow.

Cena can be great if he learns to do a few things:

- At some point, preferably in the near future, it would be advantageous to him to LEARN TO WRESTLE/PERFORM. I know-I know. It's basically frontier logic for the guy at this point, but what can I say, I'm a dreamer.

- It would be nice if he learned to work a mic and not attempt to conjure Dwayne Johnson (That would be the Rock. Don't get mad. You're the guy who didn't know who Blanchard, one of the original Horsemen was. Sheesh) every time he picks one up. The mock voices, the attempts at witty banter, etc. All of this would be forgivable if he was at least funny most of the time. But where The Rock was funny MOST of the time, John's funny SOME of the time.

- Getting a new gimmick. Don't get me wrong. I love seeing what it would be like if Steve Austin went gangsta-thug/rapper as much as the next guy, but really, maybe he should consider developing a gimmick that isn't quite so obvious in it's origins. I dunno'...maybe he could be the "wealthy, young, good-looking stud who never lets anyone forget it". I mean...it worked for Tully Blanchard, and look how well you knew HIM.

- Find a pseudo-finisher that doesn't involve bounding off the ropes, ala the Rock (AGAIN) and doing some over-wrought bodily movements (The Rock. ...*sigh*...again) before dropping what is a considerably weak looking punch to the forehead.

Now those are a few reasons since the sarcasm was a lil' too subtle for ya'. Can I digress now, or should I start bringing up the fact that another reason he'll never be great is that the only people that tend to like the guy are women, children, and people that don't remember anything before Austin stunned Vince?

 

[Jeckyl]

Are you serious with this thread? The wrestling rapper the greatest wrestler in the history of the business?

I can think of a couple dozen workers who Cena can't measure up to, at the very least. Cena's good, there's no question, but to call him the best ever is both ridiculous and ignorant.

It would be more accurate to say that in ten years fans will barely remember who he was.

 

[Miko]

Not knowing the Ding Dongs is more than forgivable.

*phew*

Not knowing who Tully Blanchard is indicative of your age, and that you are probably an "attitude era" band wagon fan. Which is NOT forgivable.

The Hart/Michaels era actually, point taken nonetheless.

You're opinions are hereafter invalid.

And the fact that you consider Cena to be "one of the greats already" takes an already invalid opinion and puts a bullet in its temple for a mercy kill.

Your right, my opinion means about as much as. . . . . . . . . . yours or indeed anybody else's. Let's all mercy kill our opinions.

My sarcasm, sadly you had to ASK if that was sarcasm, made my feelings toward this topic quite clear.

No no, I wasnt asking, it was rhetoric. Long word for a Cena fan but there you are.

But then again, I'm attempting to reason with a guy who thinks Cena's great and seems to be quite proud of knowing who Hogan is. So I'll try to type slow.

Thanks, that doesnt mean I am going to read it at a different speed though does it? I mean, whatever speed you type it's still going to come out in one go, isnt it?

Cena can be great if he learns to do a few things:

- At some point, preferably in the near future, it would be advantageous to him to LEARN TO WRESTLE/PERFORM. I know-I know. It's basically frontier logic the guy at this point, but what can I say, I'm a dreamer.

You mean that thing he does where he goes out there and loads of people cheer whenever he does something. That thing that ooooh! entertains.

- It would be nice if he learned to work a mic and not attempt to conjure Dwayne Johnson (That would be the Rock. Don't get mad. You're the guy who didn't know who Blanchard, one of the original Horsemen was. Sheesh)

Thats it!!! I knew who Blanchard was, memory failed is all. Not sure about The Rock though, who's that?

every time he picks one up. The mock voices, the attempts at witty banter, etc. All of this would be forgivable if he was at least funny most of the time. But where The Rock was funny MOST of the time, John's funny SOME of the time.

Eh! Even I'll admit he falls a little flat sometimes. Still entertains a shit load of people though doesnt he? Thats the point isnt it. Or should he learn an armbar?

- Getting a new gimmick. Don't get me wrong. I love seeing what it would be like if Steve Austin when gangsta-thug/rapper as much as the next guy, but really, maybe he should consider developing a gimmick that isn't quite so obvious in it's origins. I dunno'...maybe he could be the "wealthy, young, good-looking stud who never lets anyone forget it".

Now, why would he change a formula that has proven to be so effective? The one that sell's merch and entertains millions? Your benefit? Mine? Our opinions mean fuck all.

I mean...it worked for Tully Blanchard, and look how well you knew HIM.

So. . . . . . . . . . . . . what? Not great?

- Find a a pseudo-finisher that doesn't involve bound off the ropes, ala the Rock (AGAIN) and doing some over-wrought bodily movements (The Rock. ...*sigh*...again) before dropping what is a considerably weak looking punch to the forehead.

Yeah, how about a suplex into an armbar combo with a texas cloverleaf thrown in. Because we all know thats performing.

Now those are a few reasons since the sarcasm was a lil' too subtle for ya'.

I wish I knew how to use it.

Can I digress now, or should I start bringing up the fact that another reason he'll never be great is that the only people that tend to like the guy are women, children, and people that don't remember anything before Austin stunned Vince?

So what? Your discriminating against the young fans now. The ones that made Hogan popular, the ones that made Austin and The Rock popular. Are you saying that the only people who should watch wrestling are the 30 + year olds who sit in their room watching, saying things like "he's no Lou Thesz".

Ooooh, a name from the past I recognized.

John Cena entertains, people these days are too hooked up on technical ability to realise that technical ability means dick all.

 

[just2Cme]

Cena is at the level he is at because he came along during a transitional time when there were not any new names in the busisness. Had Lesner not left WWE I don't think that Cena would became what he is or held the title for as long as he has. Lesner would probaly be the top guy on raw also, not cena. He would have been relgated to second place.

Also Orton injury stunted his rise, and the fact that he had to play heel and sit in the shadows of HHH holds him back. His wrestling is better he just lacks charisma, but chances are he could still outshine cena.

Basically Cena will be a flash in the pan. He is not a "house hold name" amongst people who do not watch wrestling. So he is not on the level as Hogan, Rock, or Austin (who brought fans of various ages) Cena main fanbase is preteens and younger and those kids like Jeff Hardy more now, so cena isn't even the biggest man in his company anymore.

 

[Jericho]

in my opinion cena is very overrated,the only thing he has going 4 him is his mic skills,and even thats not all that great.he gets very irritating 2 listen 2 very fast,especially when he kisses the fans asses like theres no tomorrow and when he tell his corny jokes,he is not funny at all.he is one of the worst wrestlers i have ever seen hands down and the way he is constantly shoved down our throats is sickening

 

[Stoppa]

I see wit and sarcasm are as wasted on you as is a big money match between Cena and Shawn Michaels.

I like the sentence by sentence breakdown you so cleverly do. If your critical analysis of each freakin' syllable of my posts were semi-intelligent, it'd be a lot more clever. But one thing at a time, right?

I'm not knocking the "young fans". It's not their fault I've been watching since I was 4. What IS their fault is that they (By "they" I mean "you" of course. I'm just too polite to say it. ...oops) seem to refuse to actually like anything about the sport other than the 3 and half days they've been a fan.

This is NOT the "greatest era" in wrestling. I'm sorry that you don't recall a better time. But not being there, not knowing, not remembering does nothing to change reality. I know, you have no time to listen to me spout off such trivial things such as relevance or fact, but try to hold up till I finish. Actually, from a monetary standpoint, talent standpoint, performance standpoint, ratings standpoint, it's actually one of the lower slumps in the modern era.

And Cena is a poster child for this fact. The only people that find him entertaining are children, women, and people that know nothing about the sport. Now, this would bother some of us "old fogies", if not for one tiny little fact: We've seen this crap before. We can remember, with great clarity, that scourge upon mankind known as "Hulkamania". Now even though Hogan sucks with the raw power of a dirt devil attached to a nuclear reactor, he remained a draw for many years, and that was fine. Because all those kids that loved him? They grew up and eventually either stopped being fans or learned to love the sport for more talented reasons. All those people that knew nothing about the sport outside of Hogan slamming Andre? They got bored once the excitement had passed, and went off to some other fad.

So you see, I don't mind Cena being cheered. It's all temporary. Much the same as when I was kid and every chick in the world was screaming for the New Kids On The Block, 13 year old girls can't keep John in bit'ness forever. lol

And if you think that someone in their 30's was actually THERE to see how great Lou Thesz was, well, then I apologize for all of my above statements.

Cena is obviously the guy for you. ;-)

 

[Slyfox696]

LOL @ people in this thread. Cena doesn't know how to perform? He's a flash in the pan? Do you all understand ANYTHING about wrestling?

Cena has, already, put himself in the upper echelon of wrestling greats. For reasons I've already mentioned he's ahead of HBK and Hart. And, as I've also already mentioned, he's still yet to enter the true prime of his wrestling career. There WILL be another boom period, and Cena will be spearheading it. And when it's all said and done, Cena will be the greatest wrestler of all time.

- At some point, preferably in the near future, it would be advantageous to him to LEARN TO WRESTLE/PERFORM.

Then what the fuck has he been doing? This is ignorance beyond belief. If you have an iota of an idea of what pro wrestling is about, you would retract this statement in a hurry.

Are you serious with this thread? The wrestling rapper the greatest wrestler in the history of the business?

He hasn't been the rapper in nearly four years. Do you even watch wrestling?

 

[Stoppa]

Dude...seriously? He..he sucks. I mean...I'm not knocking the guy PERSONALLY. I'm sure he opens doors for women, kisses him goodnight, and pats the family dog, but...dude...seriously? He sucks.

From a performance standpoint, he..he sucks. I mean, there really isn't any other way to put that. His moves are ugly. They're sloppy. He does nothing remotely impressive. He is, at BEST, average.

And he has a FINISHER that is a STANDING FIREMAN'S CARRY. LOL I mean c'mon!

I'm not saying he's the Ultimate Warrior (Who should sue Vince from here to eternity for the Self-Destruction video, admitedly, but they got one thing right: Dude couldn't wrestle for crap), but he's not "good".

Not knowing "what pro wrestling is all about"? Shut up. Seriously. Pro wrestling is not about retrofitting another guys moves who's now doing movies, and even then not doing it WELL. What it IS about is performing in such a way that it gives the impression that the action is legit and entertaining. Again, I realize that a lot of people scream and cheer when John does his "wild, spread eagle suplex", but what can I say? Chicks and small children know how to scream.

So no, I won't be "retracting" a friggin' thing. And I assure you, I know plenty about wrestling. And I have no fear in backing up that statement.

Cena sucks.

Period.

 

[Miko]

I see wit and sarcasm are as wasted on you as is a big money match between Cena and Shawn Michaels.

Except that Shawn Michaels doesnt draw. So the money would come from *dum dum dum* John Cena. Obviously you would supply the wit.

I like the sentence by sentence breakdown you so cleverly do. If your critical analysis of each freakin' syllable of my posts were semi-intelligent, it'd be a lot more clever. But one thing at a time, right?

It's easy, you just click the quote button and divide it up using the quote tags. Helps me keep up because I am only a stupid Cena mark.

I'm not knocking the "young fans". It's not their fault I've been watching since I was 4.

That's just it though, no offence but nobody cares how long you've been watching. Nobody cares how long I've been watching, do you know what they care about? Hulk Hogan and John Cena.

What IS their fault is that they (By "they" I mean "you" of course. I'm just too polite to say it. ...oops)

Your politeness is noted.

seem to refuse to actually like anything about the sport other than the 3 and half days they've been a fan.

I see, its about not doing your homework isnt it? Apparently your not allowed to cheer anyone if you havent done a backstory on pro-wrestling.

This is NOT the "greatest era" in wrestling. I'm sorry that you don't recall a better time.

I do recall a better time. It was the attitude era, the tree's blossomed and everything.

But not being there, not knowing, not remembering does nothing to change reality. I know, you have no time to listen to me spout off such trivial things such as relevance or fact, but try to hold up till I finish. Actually, from a monetary standpoint, talent standpoint, performance standpoint, ratings standpoint, it's actually one of the lower slumps in the modern era.

Oh yes, still the mighty Bret Hart carried the WWF through worse times than this. He's one of the greatest of all time right? and if theres a boom period that Cena leads, well who knows.

And Cena is a poster child for this fact. The only people that find him entertaining are children, women, and people that know nothing about the sport.

Whats to know, two sweaty muscular men are fighting over for a title. You like one you hate the other. Cena is the poster child for the company, when he's on the show the ratings are higher. Some believe they'll continue to climb.

Now, this would bother some of us "old fogies", if not for one tiny little fact: We've seen this crap before. We can remember, with great clarity, that scourge upon mankind known as "Hulkamania".

Damn Hogan, damn him for making wrestling mainstream. Damn him for bringing it to the masses. What was he thinking?

Now even though Hogan sucks with the raw power of a dirt devil attached to a nuclear reactor, he remained a draw for many years, and that was fine.

Yes, Hulk Hogan made all those people wrestling fans, who'd a thunk it?

Because all those kids that loved him? They grew up and eventually either stopped being fans or learned to love the sport for more talented reasons.

Who made them watch in the first place? Hulk Hogan, no other. Who brought them back by leading the NWO? Hulk Hogan.

All those people that knew nothing about the sport outside of Hogan slamming Andre? They got bored once the excitement had passed, and went off to some other fad.

Until the NWO was formed, by Hogan. Then they went and cheered Austin as well. Which is why these men stand at No. 1 and 2 respectively. They created wrestling fans. Something which Cena has been doing.

So you see, I don't mind Cena being cheered. It's all temporary.

Yeah he's gotta retire sometime.

Much the same as when I was kid and every chick in the world was screaming for the New Kids On The Block, 13 year old girls can't keep John in bit'ness forever. lol

No he'll just have to continue what he's been doing for a while now. Know what that is? Creating new fans.

And if you think that someone in their 30's was actually THERE to see how great Lou Thesz was, well, then I apologize for all of my above statements.

Got me there, still I am a youngun' who doesnt know his history. Not a real fan obviously.

Cena is obviously the guy for you. ;-)

We agree. Wish he'd learn a 6th move though.

 

[Tastycles]

Firstly, I'd like to distance myself from the people saying that Cena is rubbish, Kofi Kingston is better etc, because there is absolutely no doubt that he is the biggest thing in wrestling right now, and I'm not here to debate that.

That being said, I can't agree with the overall sentiment of the thread title. Great wrestlers are the ones who get people into the stadiums. They are the people who get the crowd riled up and they are the people who sell merchandise. As I've said, there's no doubt that Cena is that guy now. Cena is just about the only wrestler that anyone who has never been aware of wrestling has heard of.

However, I don't think he has the global fan support, or recogniton that his predecessors do. Literally everyone I know, knows who The Rock and Steve Austin are. I imagine that everyone in the western world knows who Hulk Hogan in, but the same cannot be said as Cena.

In ring, Cena is over. He may only have 6 moves or whatever but the crowd love each one of those 6. But I just don't think that the reaction is as big for the FU or whatever its called than it is for the stunner. If the Rock and Cena had a promo battle, you know who'd win. If they had an Austin match in 1999 and a Cena match in 2009 against similar opponents, you know which would sell out first.

The obvious reply is that Austin and Rock were fortunate to exist at the same time as each other, and Hogan had people around like Savage, Warrior and andre, who, while not a succesful, were certainly excellent, Cena doesn't have as good a foil. Maybe that's right, but part of his responsibility is to make the heels look unstoppable, and he doens't do it as well as Hogan.

The other thing is that Cena is obviously performing in the doledrums of wrestling popularity. Slyfox said that he thought that it would become popular again and that Cena would be the jewel in the crown if it did. The second part is undeniably true, at least it is if the boom happened today. I'm not as sure that the boom will happen, I'd like to know why you were so sure.

So, Cena will go down as the best of his era, and the best of this century, I imagine. However, the golden age of wrestling is the 80s-90s and I think that there are at least 4-5 guys who will be held in higher esteem than Cena. He's great, but not the greatest.

 

[Slyfox696]

Dude...seriously? He..he sucks. I mean...I'm not knocking the guy PERSONALLY. I'm sure he opens doors for women, kisses him goodnight, and pats the family dog, but...dude...seriously? He sucks.

If he sucks, then why is he the most popular worker in wrestling? If he sucks, then how come he's had good matches with just about everyone he's faced? If he sucks, how come Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, and Chris Jericho have all come out and publicly said how good he was?

From a performance standpoint, he..he sucks. I mean, there really isn't any other way to put that. His moves are ugly. They're sloppy. He does nothing remotely impressive. He is, at BEST, average.

According to who? You? No one cares about you. The simple fact of the matter is that there is no one who entertains more in the WWE than John Cena does.

And he has a FINISHER that is a STANDING FIREMAN'S CARRY. LOL I mean c'mon!

And the Von Erich's signature move was The Claw. Who gives a fuck? The fact is that people associate the move with the end of the match, and thus, it does it's job. Please tell me you're not one of those people who think all psychology in a match should be fucked over for the sake of one devastating finish move.

Not knowing "what pro wrestling is all about"? Shut up. Seriously.

As long as you say that Cena sucks, then you continue to prove your ignorance towards professional wrestling. Seriously.

Pro wrestling is not about retrofitting another guys moves who's now doing movies, and even then not doing it WELL.

Another guys moves? What the hell are you talking about? So now that The Rock had the People's Elbow, no one in the rest of history is allowed to have a move that comes off the ropes to attack a grounded opponent? How seriously fucking stupid is that?

The very fact that you tie him to the Rock is MORE than enough evidence of just how good Cena really is.

What it IS about is performing in such a way that it gives the impression that the action is legit and entertaining.

And if you don't do that, then fans don't come to the shows and watch you. But, fans DO come to the shows for Cena, more than anyone else.

Again, I realize that a lot of people scream and cheer when John does his "wild, spread eagle suplex", but what can I say? Chicks and small children know how to scream.

A load of bullshit that was proven false way back in 06. Sure, kids and women like children, but so do grown men. Elsewhere on the forum, I posted about the house show I went to. I saw Cena shirts on EVERYONE, young and old, male and female. I saw guys in their 40s with Cena shirts on booing the fact he wasn't there. I saw guys in my 20s, who were pissed Cena wasn't there.

It's time for you to step out of 2006 and fast forward to present day.

So no, I won't be "retracting" a friggin' thing. And I assure you, I know plenty about wrestling.

Your posts prove otherwise.

 

[Jeckyl]

He hasn't been the rapper in nearly four years. Do you even watch wrestling?

No I don't watch wrestling, I only took the time to register in the forums of a WRESTLING NEWS SITE because I'm bored.

Now then, let me double check.

~still busts out a rhyme every now and then...
~is still referred to as a thug
~uses urban slang and isn't black
~still wears a thick ass chain around his neck

Hell, all he's missing is a mouth full of gold teeth.

Your problem is that you're defending this proposition with your heart instead of your mind. You obviously are a fan of Cena's or you wouldn't have even posed the thought, but when you come up against some resistance you get defensive. Move for move, pound for pound, there have been better and more skilled wrestlers out there.

Look, I'm a fan of Shark Boy, but I'm not under the delusion he's ever going to be considered anything more than a side show attraction.

 

[Jeckyl]

(1) If he sucks, then why is he the most popular worker in wrestling? (2) If he sucks, then how come he's had good matches with just about everyone he's faced? (3) If he sucks, how come Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, and Chris Jericho have all come out and publicly said how good he was?

1. Because WWE's fan base right now is more young kids who are easily lead by sheep than older, smarter marks... it wouldn't be hard to generate a push for just about anybody under the right circumstances.

2. Again, working in the WWE means working with top tier talent. even the mid-carders that make television are skilled enough to give a good match. Besides, no one said he was the Disco Inferno, just that he isn't the BEST EVER.

3. What would it gain any of those you mentioned to slam him publicly, burning bridges with both the WWE and their fan base. When was the last time you heard any of them bag on a worker while he was still a main event talent?

 

[Slyfox696]

No I don't watch wrestling

I can tell.

I only took the time to register in the forums of a WRESTLING NEWS SITE because I'm bored.

While I note the sarcasm, I can't help but think this true.

Now then, let me double check.

OK.

~still busts out a rhyme every now and then...

Every now and then...like two years ago?

~is still referred to as a thug

You're right, to be a rapper, you must be a thug, and everyone who is a thug is obviously a rapper. Good point.

~uses urban slang and isn't black

I literally lol'd at this one. Do I REALLY need to break down how ridiculous and racist this comment is?

~still wears a thick ass chain around his neck

You're right, no one else wears jewelry around their neck.

Hell, all he's missing is a mouth full of gold teeth.

You obviously don't watch wrestling.

Your problem is that you're defending this proposition with your heart instead of your mind.

No, I'm defending this proposition based upon predictors to the future, based upon the facts of the present.

You obviously are a fan of Cena's or you wouldn't have even posed the thought

Actually, I would have, as this thread, while enjoyable, is still little more than a pawn in a larger point I was making to Klunker in the Board Room.

but when you come up against some resistance you get defensive.

You obviously don't know me very well.

Move for move, pound for pound, there have been better and more skilled wrestlers out there.

And yet, how many of these "more skilled wrestlers" have been as popular? Is not the goal of professional wrestling to draw fans into the show and entertain them? Thus, is not the best wrestler the one who does that better than anyone?

Is Cena the best wrestler ever, right now? Of course not. He's got several rungs to climb, and I'm not saying he's there yet. I'm saying that he will get there. And I've given the reasons why.

Look, I'm a fan of Shark Boy, but I'm not under the delusion he's ever going to be considered anything more than a side show attraction.

That's good, because Shark Boy doesn't have 1/10th the popularity or support that Cena does.

 

[Jeckyl]

Wow, you obviously are far more invested in arguing your point than I am the counterpoint.

Racist? Now it's you that doesn't know me.

You can talk about popularity and fan support all you want, but you know as well as I do that wrestling fans are the most fickle in the world and can turn their back on you in a heartbeat. Cena's very talented, there's no doubt, and he has a great deal of fan support... right now. I just don't think it's fair to predict his greatness when hsi story hasn't finished being written.

Who knows, maybe it's ol' Shark Boy that'll go down as the greatest ever (insert muffled laughter here), the point is we just won't know for sure until their stories have been told.

 

[GameOver]

in my opinion cena is very overrated,the only thing he has going 4 him is his mic skills,and even thats not all that great.he gets very irritating 2 listen 2 very fast,especially when he kisses the fans asses like theres no tomorrow and when he tell his corny jokes,he is not funny at all.he is one of the worst wrestlers i have ever seen hands down and the way he is constantly shoved down our throats is sickening

Agreed. And as for

Negative. Steve Austin was one name in the company. A big name, and an important name.. but still just one. The Rock was a major player that helped Austin continue to get over, once his attitude ran low.

Meanwhile, Cena is single-handedly carrying the W.W.E. out of the slumps of the Benoit murder case, the steroid scandal, and every other negative issue that's been thrown in their way. I'd say that tops a rival Wrestling company any day of the week.

i agree with the first part Austin was phenomenal cause of the opponents he had and the Kick Vince's ass attitude

Then Cena comes along spouting the FU mantra and he's a pussy. He''s always paying respect to everyone he faces. Get A F*ing clue. Kids don't give a damn about respect anymore

and his dreaded firemans carry slam. LEast they changed that to him using the STF which btw is poorly executed, so obviously air between his hands and the opponents face. Well ok the fans ringside wouldn't see that.

As for single handedly are u serious? once again u have no clue, noone single handedly carries a company, even the mighty Hulk Hogan needed WWF marketing behind him, Creative writing feuds, Kids drooling all over him, TV/PPV time and opponents that could make him look good.

All his opponents were far superior to him in wrestling ability,but because he had the size and awesome mic skills and Vince's blessing he was set. Soon as that dropped a bit he was shoved to the curb briefly.

Cena was a long standing title runner cause Vince let him be and perservered with the fans getting pissed off with Cena as champ because he was selling merchandise to the kiddies and they finally listened and he's not been anywhere near as dominant since.

Cena, has improved in wrestling ability but that's it. obvioulsy atleast 50% of the fans still hate the sight of him and are sick of the shit he spouts on the mic, what does that tell ya? I'm pretty sure Hogan and Austin and The Rock had atleast 90% of the fan support there Main Event careers even when they were heels they had more than 50%

Then ya got Triple H he can come out and everyone errupts. Hmmmmm, yeah everyone despises him and his politics. I see a shit load of his Tshirts in the crowd, not so many Cena ones, least not shown on TV

and Undertaker is constantly top of his game just by his presence.

No doubt as i said in my previous post Cena will be a part of History just cause of the run he was given, and i'll finish with this

Ultimate Warrior had everyone behind him and won multiple titles, probably had the wrestling world at his feet, outsold Hogan in merchandise then everyone cottoned on to how crap he actually was. Now wheres The Ultimate Moron?

Cena's not even close to being the greatest wrestler in history, top 5 merchandise sellers in WWE? sure. Big Drawcard for a few yrs. no doubt.

 

[agentmichaelscarn]

There's a lot of ifs but he definitely has potential to be the greatest. As mentioned he is still very young by wrestling standards and has accomplished so much already. To put it in perspective he is younger now than Bret Hart was when he won his first world title and I believe he is younger now than Hogan and Austin were when they won their first World titles as well. So Cena has been the top guy now going on 5 years, already has won numerous championships and is about ready to main event his 5th Wrestlemania and he did all of this before those 3 I mentioned really made a huge impact on wrestling, so you can only imagine what his resume could look like by the time he is 40.

With that said you can never tell whats going to happen in the future. If he does wrestle till he is 40 and is in the Main Event that entire time you could make a strong case for him. But who knows, he could suffer an unfortunate injury, he could become a family man and retire early. Or simply during his time a few superstars can come along that are so good that they end up getting pushed over Cena and he gets surpassed as the top guy in the company. All those maybe unlikely scenarios but you never know. Regardless though in my opinion unless there is another boom period or Cena does something that really changes the business it would be hard for me to put him over somebody like Hogan since Hogan did revolutionize the business. As of now you cant say the same for Cena.

 

[Marquis]

Why not? The man has already accomplished much at the age young age of 31. He is a multiple time world champion, arguably the most popular wrestler in wrestling today, and still has a good 10-15 years in him. I am a firm believer that he will go down as the greatest wrestler in history or at least be mentioned in the same breath as other accomplished wrestler when debating the greatest wrestler of all time. As of right now though, i think many including myself will consider him the greatest worker in wrestling. His work ethic can not be matched in my opinion.