Life after Cena.

[Da Solo]

The WWE can live without Cena. Sure, he's a big draw, but like many others have said, big draw leave all the time and someone else just fills the void. Hogan/Savage left and Bret/HBK took over, Bret left and Austin took over, Austin left and Rock took over, Rock left and Lesnar took over... the list goes on. Hell, Cena is the one who filled the void for Lesnar when he left, and Lesnar, in terms of ratings only, was probably just as big a draw as Cena is today.

When big stars leave, most of the time their biggest fans just translate to the next big thing rather than pack up and leave. When Cena got injured a while back, the 'E rallied behind Jeff Hardy until Cena came back. They CAN make stars, believe it or not. Most of the time, though, they are just too scared to pull the trigger (ex. Ryder). If Cena left today, CM Punk (or probably Orton) would most likely take over as top face billing. And let's be honest, if Cena left, the 'E would probably see a small increase or at least a stagnation in ratings for a time, not because they hate Cena, but just to see how they fare without him.

And even if that big Face of the Company void isn't filled immediately, which has happened before, they'll capitalize on the biggest heel in the company and systematically build the show around him until the next face is made.

 

[Bernkastel]

Honestly the only interesting thing about Cena is the fact you wonder if he knows how corny he is.

That's odd considering that in 2004 he was considered God's gift to wrestling.

Cena just isn't that talented, If a guy like Cena can be the top guy I'm sure anyone can.

Don't be stupid, when Cena won the belt from JBL he was already a top guy. In fact, that solidified him as THE top guy with Lesnar's departure the same year.

Hell CM Punk could surpass Cena if they would let him be a tweener and if HHH didn't kill his push and the momentum he had at that time Punk could easily be the top guy in the WWE.

CM Punk has had multiple tries and pushes and couldn't even make it to Cena's level, let alone surpass him. If it weren't for the program that the two of them worked after Punk did his worked shoot, he'd probably still be in the mid card managing another failed stable.

Another guy like Orton who as a heel is one of the best performers in the WWE could be the top guy right now if we just get his head straight. Cena is nothing special, Also how did Orton get caught juicing and Cena doesn't?

Orton has been Cena's second his entire career. If Cena were to up and quit sometime soon, I could see Orton becoming the next face of the company. But he'll never surpass Cena as long as he's there.

 

[MVP#1]

I remember reading posts just like this when Rock and Austin were the top draws. Look, Cena is not irreplaceable there will be other guys to come in that will take his place once Cena is done. When Rock and Austin left did the WWE go under? No, Cena and Orton became the next big stars. There will be a time when Cena and Orton will retire and more guys will take their place. I can see in about 10 years time when there are the top draws of that era when people will be like what will happen when those guys leave.

It was the same way back in 80's when Hogan and Savage were the top draws. It's just like any other business or sport, people come and go. Did the NFL go under when the best quarterback of the 70s 80s etc. retired? No, other guys came through and made their mark.

 

[Mikechase69]

Not to be rude but I don't think anyone has ever been pushed harder than Cena has (Maybe Lex) You are undervaluing the fact the Vince is afraid to push anyone other than Cena based on the fact that their are so many other guys who are flat out more talented Cena and he would end up looking like a joke. If you let Punk or Orton free reign and let them say anything they wanted in a one on one promo against Cena they would turn the crowd against him easily. I mean the Rock made Cena look like a an ROH guy.

Oh and Punk for the most part of last year was more over than Cena.

And why are you guys forgetting Warrior? Dude was in line to carry the WWE for at least a decade after Hogan put him over at WrestleMania VI.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Not to be rude but I don't think anyone has ever been pushed harder than Cena has (Maybe Lex) You are undervaluing the fact the Vince is afraid to push anyone other than Cena based on the fact that their are so many other guys who are flat out more talented Cena and he would end up looking like a joke.

Name these more talented guys than Cena and I'll give you a reason why you're wrong.

If you let Punk or Orton free reign and let them say anything they wanted in a one on one promo against Cena they would turn the crowd against him easily. I mean the Rock made Cena look like a an ROH guy.

I'm pretty sure Cena held his own against Rocky.

Oh and Punk for the most part of last year was more over than Cena.

Most part my ass. You mean when he was feuding with Randy Orton and HHH? Yeah, right.

 

[Mikechase69]

I'm pretty sure Cena held his own against Rocky.

When did Cena hold his own? He kept going on and on about how "The Rock left to make movies look at me I'm still here because my movies sucked and everybody rented them"

Most part my ass. You mean when he was feuding with Randy Orton and HHH? Yeah, right.

Do you remember the pops Punk was getting most of that year after Mania? Punk was more over in John boys own hometown of Boston.

 

[Bernkastel]

When did Cena hold his own? He kept going on and on about how "The Rock left to make movies look at me I'm still here because my movies sucked and everybody rented them"

Did Cena's promo's against the Rock not inspire emotion? Watch this promo and tell me it got zero reaction.

[youtube]tv_fO_9ilEg[/youtube]

The whole point of Cena's promos were to split the fans interest going into Wrestlemania. Everyone and their mothers tuned into WM28 to see Rock vs Cena because of the emotion that Cena poured into the program. The animosity, the tension, the clashing of egos.

According to the payoff of WM28, I'd say Cena did a damn fine job with his promos against the Rock.

Do you remember the pops Punk was getting most of that year after Mania? Punk was more over in John boys own hometown of Boston.

Punk was the WWE champion most of the year, he better fucking have gotten the same type of reaction as John Cena. It would have been sad if he hadn't.

 

[Mikechase69]

You showed me a promo where Cena was getting booed most of the time nice you really showed that Cena can Bring It. You showed me a promo where Cena said "The Rock left to make movies look at me I'm still here because my movies sucked and everybody rented them" Nice going.

 

[Bernkastel]

You showed me a promo where Cena was getting booed most of the time nice you really showed that Cena can Bring It. You showed me a promo where Cena "The Rock left to make movies look at me I'm still here because my movies sucked and everybody rented them" Nice going.

Booing is a reaction is it not? You act like Cena came out, cut a few promos, and crickets chirped in the background. The crowd responded to absolutely everything that he said. That's the thing about Cena, he inspires emotion. And whether or he's getting booed or cheered, people still care about him.

Orton can't say that, Punk can't say that, Bryan sure as fuck can't say that. Punk's gimmick is about as edgy as you can get for PG television, and at times it's clearly not PG. Cena hasn't had to rely on edginess to be a success in seven years; when he was allowed to be edgy in 03/04 he was hailed as the next Stone Cold.

If he left tomorrow, WWE would have one hell of a hard time trying to find a replacement.

 

[Mikechase69]

Booing is a reaction is it not? You act like Cena came out, cut a few promos, and crickets chirped in the background. The crowd responded to absolutely everything that he said. That's the thing about Cena, he inspires emotion. And whether or he's getting booed or cheered, people still care about him.

Orton can't say that, Punk can't say that, Bryan sure as fuck can't say that. Punk's gimmick is about as edgy as you can get for PG television, and at times it's clearly not PG. Cena hasn't had to rely on edginess to be a success in seven years; when he was allowed to be edgy in 03/04 he was hailed as the next Stone Cold.

If he left tomorrow, WWE would have one hell of a hard time trying to find a replacement.

Who cares if its a reaction its not the reaction the WWE they wanted Cena and Rock to go into Wrestlemania split in terms crowd reaction WWE tried anything and everything to get Cena over the Rock but Cena didn't have the ability to get himself over against the Rock. Every Cena promo was the same "The Rock left to make movies look at me I'm still here because my movies sucked and everybody rented them" week after week it was the same old crap.

 

[Bernkastel]

Who cares if its a reaction its not the reaction the WWE they wanted Cena and Rock to go into Wrestlemania split in terms crowd reaction WWE tried anything and everything to get Cena over the Rock but Cena didn't have the ability to get himself over against the Rock. Every Cena promo was the same "The Rock left to make movies look at me I'm still here because my movies sucked and everybody rented them" week after week it was the same old crap.

What are you talking about? Are you honestly trying to tell me that you believe that the WWE wanted the fans to boo the fucking Rock over Cena?

The only wrestler who would ever be able to do that and did, was Hulk Hogan. Cena may be the greatest of this era, but he isn't the greatest of all time. A split reaction is exactly what the WWE wanted, and that's exactly what they got.

Did the fans not tune into see WM28 regardless of the outcome? The WWE turned Punk heel immediately to feud with the Rock, because the fans would have boo'ed him regardless of whatever cool edgy thing he said to remain face.

To avoid getting completely off topic, I've said all I'm going to say.

 

[Mikechase69]

What are you talking about? Are you honestly trying to tell me that you believe that the WWE wanted the fans to boo the fucking Rock over Cena?

The only wrestler who would ever be able to do that and did, was Hulk Hogan. Cena may be the greatest of this era, but he isn't the greatest of all time. A split reaction is exactly what the WWE wanted, and that's exactly what they got.

Did the fans not tune into see WM28 regardless of the outcome? The WWE turned Punk heel immediately to feud with the Rock, because the fans would have boo'ed him regardless of whatever cool edgy thing he said to remain face.

To avoid getting completely off topic, I've said all I'm going to say.

Cena got booed to hell at WM28 did you even watch? I really hope you are a teenager and not a grow man defending Cena. You have yet to give me decent reason why Cena is as great as you say and why he went toe to toe with the Rock.

 

[Fansince1992]

WWE tried anything and everything to get Cena over the Rock but Cena didn't have the ability to get himself over against the Rock.

Why was WWE trying to put Cena over The Rock? If anything they wanted both men to have momentum going into Wrestlemania. John Cena Crusified The Rock in the middle of the ring then simply walked out, remember the promo notes on the wrist segment? The Rock was left with nothing to say in return except "If you Smeeeeelll what The Rock is Cooking"

The Rock gave it back a week later when he got right in Cena's face calling him a little boy, who is going up against a 6'5 260 pound MAN! Cena looked away grinning, and you BASH John Cena for this, which i find unbelievable.

WWE wanted an even build going into Wrestlemania, and it worked a treat. That's what made the match so unpredictable and so intriging to watch.

 

[Mongoose McQueen]

Well first of all, the chances of this happening are very slim. Cena is still young and loves wrestling way too much to walk away. Now, if this were to happen I think it would have a huge effect. I say this because, when Edge retired it only had a short term effect. WWE had Orton to replace him and there was no issue.

I think WWE would develop some new star who isn't even in the WWE yet. Maybe not even In FCW, and WWE knows this. They would be screwed IMO, plus lose viewers and lose allot of money. Ticket sales of house shows and raw would go down.

Dude, you're obviously a complete moron, who can't use punctuation in your sentences.
Cena more than held his own vs Rocky, infect he owned the Rock 2 maybe 3 times during the buildup. Cena's movies maybe weren't successful like dwaynes, but Cena is STILL the biggest STAR of HIS era.

And you know it, and you hate it. But fella the truth hurts right? He gets a reaction week after week and got a split reaction. The only time they didn't IMO was Miami, but this was because it was rockies hometown so let's put that one to bed.

Uh, you have yet to give me a reason why The Rock came back to face Cena at WrestleMania? Why do you think Cena faced rock at mania? Obviously he didn't wrestle anyone else? Did he? As the the Rock said, there was only one man who people wanted him to face and that man was John Cena.

 

[Pegusus Fill_T]

Mikechase69 With all due respect, I find it funny that you think CM Punk was more over than Cena when the night after he won the WWE title, the ratings dropped drastically with Punk's segment losing alot of viewers, and the last time Punk was the center of Raw, ratings hit an all time low. CM Punk is the number 3 guy and will never reach Cena & Orton's level unless Orton screws up again and Cena gets injured. For the guy who said Punk is number 2, No. You always have your #1 guy on Raw and #2 guy on SD

2002-2004 - Triple H (R) Lesnar (SD)
2005-2008 - Cena (R) Batista (SD)
2009-2010 - Cena (R) Edge (SD)
2011-2012 - Cena (R) Orton (SD)

 

[Reyna24]

Of course Cena is a bigger star than anyone, if the WWE lets someone get's built up as much as cena and stupid kid would cheer..And i would not be surprised if anyone here supporting Cena is a stupid fan boy, Yes Cena is a big drawer, Good person, but bad wrestler.. Anyone can be a big star as Cena

 

[$uck my venis]

I think everyone is forgetting about Brock Lesnar. Vince will give more money to Lesnar for a year or two to carry the load til they figure out who would be next in line.

I also want to commit on the If Vince would let Punk be free on mic he would destroy Cena. I think if Cena had free range on the mic too he could handle is his own. It is funny how Cena with rap gimmick had everyone cheering for him than, he went to current some say corney-cheesy jokes still has people cheering for him but it take CM Punk a pipebomb to have crowd interested in him. I am not trying to bash CM Punk (I understand a lot of you like him and he is very talented wrestler) but I look at him and all I see is the 99% protesters.

 

[Pegusus Fill_T]

Anyone can be a big star as Cena

Then please tell me why anyone else isnt? Dont tell me that no one has being pushed as hard as Cena. Cena had to earn his stripes. Vinnie Mac hated him when he first joined. A claim admitted by Cena himself and even Jericho. Only Steph and Y2J had faith in him. Cena took his ball home and has never looked back. After 2005, the only people who had that much of star power is/was Batista, Edge, Orton, Rey Rey (with kids) and Jeff Hardy before he left. Even then these 5 had never surpassed Cena and has maybe 80-85 star power of Cena. Please dont spew Punk & Ziggler crap because only IWC think they are the best. You watch wrestling and Ziggler is still a midcarder trying to get his way up and Punk cant lace Cena's boots and failed to keep the momentum going after 'the summer of Punk' (and dont make creative a scapegoat. Yes, Punk has toned down but Cena had done extremely stupid stuff but has still kept momentum. Same with Y2J, Triple H etc) You cant just make a person a star. You've got to have the 'it' factor. Being a good wrestler alone isnt gonna help you ala Malenko, Benjamin.

And i would not be surprised if anyone here supporting Cena is a stupid fan boy

Funny. I find IWC people who think Punk and Zigger are the 'it' wrestlers (not general fans) as mindless sheep who blindly follow what's cool

 

[The Fabulous Rougeau's]

If for whatever reason Cena were done with the WWE, it would hurt the company the most in merchandise sales. If you ever walk up to a WWE sales tent at a show you see a father or mother with anywhere from 1-5 kids with them. These kids are going to want the Cena shirt, headband, wristbands, dogtags, hats, action figure, poster, foam finger and whatever other product is available with Cena's face of name on it. Unlike any other wrestler who might have a shirt and maybe another item or two, Cena has like 5-10 other products to go along with his shirts. Since all the kids love him and want to be him there gonna beg there parents for as much of the Cena stuff they can get.

So imagine a parent with 3 kids at a show. If he gets each kid 2 pieces of Cena gear consisting of a shirt and some smaller item, your looking at close to 100 dollars in sales. That is where the WWE would be hurting. Not to say that they can't make another Cena type with alot of merchandise for sale, but it would take time to build to that. With Cena he's already established and so is the sales system. They will sell a certain color with all the matching stuff and by the time they come back to your town there is a new shirt and a new color and all the corresponding items in that new color for sale.

When you step back and think about it. WWE has done a fantastic job of marketing with Cena and an even better job of throwing all the things they do on him in all the different colors they do because when you factor in all the non t-shirt Cena items I'm sure he's making the WWE so much in merch sales.

 

[scomvp316]

For some who think that WWE would not allow the next major star to be bigger than Cena then tell me why SCSA shattered all of Hogan's sales records. The biggest problem WWE has now like they did in the 80's you must have a multitude of characters that are believeable main eventers. Thats why Attitude worked cause you had multiple characters that were believeable to be champion. WWE will always make at least $350 mill a year no matter what the industry is like. WWE can grow with less Santino like characters and make them more serious characters under PG which can be done. Any fan that thinks a PG wrestling enviroment can't work just take a look at JCP in the 80's and they were very successful under an aggressive PG format. I think the best solution for the industry is WWE buy up ROH and TNA and keep them in business and create a minor league system. For "green" talent wrestle in ROH and when talent advances go to TNA and by the time certain talent goes to the WWE they will be well experienced and comfortable on the mic!

 

[FlairFan2003]

WWE has always tried to elevate new talent, the problem is just because you try to sell them doesnt mean anyone is buying.

They tried to elevate numerous characters during the New Generation era but other than Hart, HBK, and Nash no one really made it past mid card level.

They survived when Austin and Rock left because they still had Triple H and Taker, two legit stars well known to the wrestling audience, not just the die hard fans who watch every week. Also they brought back HBK, Flair, and On a more limited basis Hogan and Nash. That wont work when Cena leaves because there is no rival national promotion showcasing stars and there simply arent that many "legends" around to return.

I dont see anyone on the roster now except for Punk who could possibly carry the promotion (other than HHH & Taker who arent viable long term options due to age ).

However, I dont think many fans saw HBK or his body guard Diesel could legitamately carry the company full time in 1993. Orton and Batista were vitual unknowns but they made the most of Evolution. Right now I dont see $$ signs on Del Rio or Miz but that doesnt mean that they or someone else wont rise above the crowd and be a major star. Its likely that the successor to Cena as top guy isnt even here now, making such conjecture pure fantasy.

 

[Marv95]

Then please tell me why anyone else isnt? Dont tell me that no one has being pushed as hard as Cena. Cena had to earn his stripes. Vinnie Mac hated him when he first joined. A claim admitted by Cena himself and even Jericho. Only Steph and Y2J had faith in him. Cena took his ball home and has never looked back. After 2005, the only people who had that much of star power is/was Batista, Edge, Orton, Rey Rey (with kids) and Jeff Hardy before he left.

Well it's true. No one has been pushed and shoved down our throats since 2005 as much as Cena has. Not Batista, not Orton, nobody. All it takes is the WWE machine to get behind a certain guy and viola. You mean to tell me that in 2002 or even 2003 that Cena of all people would be THE top star today? Since his rise to the top they focused too much time on Cena and not enough time developing on other guys who were quite talented which soon lead to their departure(MVP, Carlito, Kennedy, Shelton, JoMo). As mentioned the early 90s and Attitude Era didn't just revolve around one guy; you had multiple superstars capable of carrying the load.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Well it's true. No one has been pushed and shoved down our throats since 2005 as much as Cena has. Not Batista, not Orton, nobody. All it takes is the WWE machine to get behind a certain guy and viola. You mean to tell me that in 2002 or even 2003 that Cena of all people would be THE top star today? Since his rise to the top they focused too much time on Cena and not enough time developing on other guys who were quite talented which soon lead to their departure(MVP, Carlito, Kennedy, Shelton, JoMo). As mentioned the early 90s and Attitude Era didn't just revolve around one guy; you had multiple superstars capable of carrying the load.

Shelton and John Morrison had the personality of a sack of dirt. Carlito was lazy and a whiner and MVP was just boring in the ring. Many of them had push after push and brought nothing to the table. Kennedy was average in the ring and kept getting injured. No big loss with any of them.

 

[theBec2101]

Don’t get me wrong I think it would hurt the WWE is a way but not devastating. I am pretty sure with the way VKM handles business everybody is replaceable. Now if he leaves is one thing if he jumps ship that’s another story. Either way they would be another face of the company. They survived when everyone went to WCW.
I also think WWE learned from their past mistakes too with Kurt leaving the way he did. I am pretty sure they have people ready to come in and help bail them out for a certain amount of time, such as Undertaker, HHH, and HBK. I think they would be doing a lot more if that was to ever happen. I could also see them making better offers to people like Edge (just for appearances) Batista, Jeff Hardy. I am only saying this if Cena was to leave suddenly, I don’t think WWE would do this in any other circumstances.

 

[ProWrestlingFan]

Shelton and John Morrison had the personality of a sack of dirt. Carlito was lazy and a whiner and MVP was just boring in the ring. Many of them had push after push and brought nothing to the table. Kennedy was average in the ring and kept getting injured. No big loss with any of them.

Yeah. Just because WWE pushed John Cena to be the top guy you hate all others just to defend Cena. You are a perfect example of what people call a "WWE Sheep" fanboy.