Who is better in the ring: Cena or Edge?

[X]

So Cena is better in the ring because he is capable of doing high-risk maneuvers. I guess that means Shelton Benjamin is better in the ring than Cena. Cena doesn't need to do high risk moves in the ring to perform a great match and most of the time that is what Edge has to do and that does not make the mark of a great wrestler.

Uh, yes Jerry actually their in-ring work DOES have to do with their in-ring skills. The fact that Edge can perform a larger variety of spots in a match is actual tangible evidence that Edge is the better worker because of the very fact that's he's capable of doing things that Cena is not. It's not a knock on Cena's style or in-ring work.

Everything in a match is a spot. A headlock can be a spot, remember that. It's not all about bumps in gimmick matches.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Uh, yes Jerry actually their in-ring work DOES have to do with their in-ring skills. The fact that Edge can perform a larger variety of spots in a match is actual tangible evidence that Edge is the better worker because of the very fact that's he's capable of doing things that Cena is not. It's not a knock on Cena's style or in-ring work.

I thought the point of a match was to entertain the crowd is it not? If Cena can entertain the crowd without doing high-risk moves better than Edge can doing a variety of spots, what does that say about Edge? Performing a variety of moves doesn't mean you're a better worker if you can't get the crowd to react to half of them. That's a reason why Angle is a bad worker in my opinion but that isn't about Angle.

 

[X]

I thought the point of a match was to entertain the crowd is it not?

It sure is. But that takes into account more than just in-ring skills. That takes into account the charisma of the athlete, his ability to work a crowd, how over he is, the backstory to the feud. There's alot more involved than purely in-ring work.

If Cena can entertain the crowd without doing high-risk moves better than Edge can doing a variety of spots, what does that say about Edge?

Edge wasn't the most over heel for several years? Why is it that the most over heel is somehow inferior to the most over face? Never really got that attitude. What makes a face reaction worth more than a heel reaction?

Performing a variety of moves doesn't mean you're a better worker if you can't get the crowd to react to half of them. That's a reason why Angle is a bad worker in my opinion but that isn't about Angle.

Angle...a bad worker?

No offense man, but I'm not sure there's any point in continuing this conversation if you actually think that Kurt Angle is a poor worker. Clearly you're looking for something completely different when you watch a professional wrestling match than what myself and many others look for.

 

[Skillz]

John Cena is a FAR better wrestler than Edge. It's not even close. I'm still shocked by the sheer lack of intelligence by 90% of internet wrestling fans, who still don't know what true in-ring ability is. Edge is an average worker, and severely overrated. Cena is a fantastic worker, and criminally underrated as far as in-ring ability goes.

If you look at all the important aspects of what makes a good in-ring wrestler, Cena defeats Edge in every single category. Better psychology? Cena. Better storytelling? Cena by a mile. Better selling? Cena. Better at working a crowd? Cena by a mile.

Why do people expect Cena to be doing hurricanranas, split-legged moonsaults, planchas, 17 variations of an armbar, along with 50 other pointless moves in every match? If he did these moves it wouldn't make any sense, as it doesn't fit his character. This is basic in-ring psychology, why is it so hard for people to understand?

Cena's matches are also far superior to Edge's. Edge is a one trick pony who can only have a good match if a gimmick is involved. As Slyfox has already said, Cena is an incredibily versatile wrestler who has had many great matches against many different wrestlers in many different situations.

 

[theHeadliner]

They both work hard, and I respect both for that. I have to say towards the end of Edge's run before he got hurt, all he was doing was stomping, punching, kicking, rest holds, and his choice of finisher. He was trained in the dungeon and he can wrestle, I just felt he was holding back in 2008/2009. Cena is not as good as a natural, technical wrestler but he puts all he has into his matches and will take a good beating. Cena knows more than his 5 moves of doom but he's booked to sell, come back with his major spots, and win. He will throw in the top rope leg drop, fisherman's suplex(sloppily executed), that bulldog thing he does so he tries to mix it up. Edge can really build great heat and his use of psychology in the ring is above Cena's work, but they both do their jobs well.

 

[X]

If you look at all the important aspects of what makes a good in-ring wrestler, Cena defeats Edge in every single category. Better psychology? Cena.

Do explain. Edge has the heel tactics psychology down pat. Cena has great psychology as well, so it's really a push if anything.

Better storytelling? Cena by a mile.

Another very arguable point.

Better selling? Cena

No. Come on now, Cena's selling is average at best. He's improved since Wrestlemania 23's disappearing knee injury but he still is no expert in the art of seeling. Really don't see how Cena is miles better in that department than Edge.

Better at working a crowd? Cena by a mile.

I'll probably agree with you there. Edge can certainly work a crowd as well though.

Why do people expect Cena to be doing hurricanranas, split-legged moonsaults, planchas, 17 variations of an armbar, along with 50 other pointless moves in every match? If he did these moves it wouldn't make any sense, as it doesn't fit his character. This is basic in-ring psychology, why is it so hard for people to understand?

No one is asking him to do those things, especially not me. I understand the man's style of wrestling, and I don't want to see Cena doing planchas and exploder suplexes. But the fact that Edge can do these things and his character allows for it is what leads to the conclusion that Edge is better in the ring. Working a crowd has nothing to do with your in-ring wrestling ability, which is what I thought this thread was about.

Cena's matches are also far superior to Edge's. Edge is a one trick pony who can only have a good match if a gimmick is involved.

Not true. He had many very good matches without gimmicks involved with guys like Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho and many others. Edge can have a good wrestling match without a ladder involved, I assure you.

As Slyfox has already said, Cena is an incredibily versatile wrestler who has had many great matches against many different wrestlers in many different situations.

I agree. But so has Edge, and to an even larger degree.

 

[Ytoojae]

Edge entertains the living hell out of me. I am captivated by the greater majority of the match. The only parts that aren't enthralling in an Edge match are the appropriately named 'rest holds'.

With Cena I always wait for the pounding he's inevitably going to get, the comeback that is always going to come (even when he loses) and the signature moves. With Cena it often feels like the same match over and over again.

Cena is the Superman version of WWE Rey Mysterio. When you watch them unless it's a very special and unique match the way that they are booked it's continually the same thing.

I question whether the crowd is truly into Cena's matches. Sure, they shout throughout the match but that doesn't mean that they're captivated. It's the marks chanting out Cena while the smarks are booing the living daylight out of him regardless of what it is he is doing in the ring.

Edge gets all the right responses at all of the appropriate times. There is an art form to wrestling and Edge has it down pat.

If Edge couldn't flat out wrestle then there is no way that he'd be in the position he is in with the company. Due to what the WWE made Cena out to be following the whole Eminem style gimmick I don't k now that the same can be said for Cena. That in itself is a major difference for me.

I'm not putting Cena down but I don't think he compares to Edge wrestling wise. However, I believe Cena has it all over Edge when it comes to the mic which is saying something because Edge is remarkably good on the mic. Cena's established himself as one of the best ever in that regard.

Better selling? Cena

He was really convincing in his victory over Shawn Michaels and Triple H.

That's if you want to believe that he didn't take a single bump the entire match.

Cena's selling at the best of times is below average. Edge is one of the best in the business (in my opinion).

 

[Slyfox696]

Edge hasn't faced a wide variety of opponents from big men to cruiserweights and everyone in between?

I'm sure he has...just didn't face them well.

The fact of the matter is that Edge hasn't had more than 1 good match a year, if that even, that was not a gimmick match in forever. Cena, on the other hand, has.

I'd only agree with your praise for about half of those matches. His matches with HHH were always dreadfully boring

To you...not to just about everyone else.

as were his matches with Batista, Lashley, and especially Orton. His matches with HBK are some of the most overrated I've seen in the past few years, and I love HBK.

Only because you refuse to admit the greatness of Cena, so you watch his matches with a more critical eye than you do others.

They were very good or great. Any objective fan will tell you so.

But let's look at those opponents you just named. Edge has been in great matches with the likes of Jericho, Angle, RVD and HBK as well. If he hasn't been in a good match with the other names you've mentioned it's likely because they never faced each other.

That's great...what's your point?

You prefer Cena's style of wrestling Sly, and we've argued the man's merits a thousand and one times. You know what I look for in wrestling, and you know what you look for.

I look for the deeper art in wrestling, and you look for superficial moves and cheap pops.

It's understandable you think Cena is far superior because he wrestles a style you love.

I don't "love" any wrestling style. I just recognize quality when it's present. Would you say that Bret Hart wrestles the same style as Cena? Or how about Sting? AJ Styles? Those are some of my favorite wrestlers of all time, and they all work different styles.

I prefer in-ring athleticism and a wide array of maneuvers being performed

Like I said, you enjoy the cheap pops and the superficial...

you prefer the two men going out in the ring and telling a story

...and I enjoy the deeper art of wrestling.

I question whether the crowd is truly into Cena's matches. Sure, they shout throughout the match but that doesn't mean that they're captivated. It's the marks chanting out Cena while the smarks are booing the living daylight out of him regardless of what it is he is doing in the ring.

Wait a minute...you're questioning whether fans are into Cena matches, despite the fact that EVERYONE is enthralled in the action to chant something? That doesn't make sense?

Edge gets all the right responses at all of the appropriate times. There is an art form to wrestling and Edge has it down pat.

As does Cena...the difference is that Cena is better at the art than Edge, and we know that because more people pay to see him than Edge.

If Edge couldn't flat out wrestle then there is no way that he'd be in the position he is in with the company. Due to what the WWE made Cena out to be following the whole Eminem style gimmick I don't k now that the same can be said for Cena. That in itself is a major difference for me.

He was really convincing in his victory over Shawn Michaels and Triple H.

That's if you want to believe that he didn't take a single bump the entire match.

Cena's selling at the best of times is below average. Edge is one of the best in the business (in my opinion).

I think it's funny that people want to criticize Cena's selling, and then point to specific matches that happened years ago they know everyone will think of.

If Cena's selling was actually not good, don't you think you could point to ANY match and point out the flaws, and not one that happened years ago?

 

[RavensFlock1990]

Cena for sure. Cena can work a crowd with every move he does and he has even carried poor ring workers like Orton and Batista to some of their best matches they've ever had. He's not as good as Jericho or HBK but he's one of the best WWE has. Edge is just a spot monkey and only shines in gimmicks matches but the IWC overrates him cause he's a heel. His former partner Christian has become 10x better than him as a wrestler and Cena is even beyond that. I don't wanna hear the 5 moves bullshit either cause every wrestler in WWE only uses a handful of moves. Austin and Rock never used more than 5 moves but nobody complains about them.

The fact is Cena can work the fans and tell a great story in his matches and he can make anybody in the company look good. Edge can't do that unless there's a gimmick involved.

 

[The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh]

John Cena is a FAR better wrestler than Edge. It's not even close. I'm still shocked by the sheer lack of intelligence by 90% of internet wrestling fans, who still don't know what true in-ring ability is. Edge is an average worker, and severely overrated. Cena is a fantastic worker, and criminally underrated as far as in-ring ability goes.

If you haven't wrestled a match yourself of had a sat down during a series of lectures and passed an exam on 'the theory of ring-psychology', then you don't know shit about it, so i think your percentage should be higher regarding fans who don't know shit, and unless you've wrestled a match, then both you and i don't know shit either.

If you look at all the important aspects of what makes a good in-ring wrestler, Cena defeats Edge in every single category.

Blatantly not. Eko's proved some cracking examples, i'll give you some more.

Better psychology? Cena.

Really? Get beaten up for 15 minutes and then bash out all your signature moves in 30 seconds? Cena's clearly got a doctorate from the HBK School of Ring-Psychology.

Better storytelling? Cena by a mile.

What? Whether the match is a (kayfabe)joke to him or he truly (kayfabe)hates his opponents guts, his facial expression is contantly the same. It rarely changes, unless he's screaming in pain/exasperation, or doing the 5KS. That is immediately a sign of poor storytelling.

Better selling? Cena.

So why in his I Quit Match with Orton (don't worry Sly, that was in fact this year), did he sell literally nothing until he was handcuffed? The match had been going on for quite a while, with Orton having control throughout most of it, and Cena doesn't start selling until 3/4 of the way through. Edge sells from the first bump until the last, in jst about every match.

Better at working a crowd? Cena by a mile.

Edge has been a heel for the past 5 years. All he's got to do is have a cocky swagger and mock his opponent every now and then and do a sick smile. Otherwise he'd be a face wouldn't he? Cena does 'You Can't See Me' and that's about the sum of his interaction with the crowd during matches. That mile just got so much shorter didn't it?

Why do people expect Cena to be doing hurricanranas, split-legged moonsaults, planchas, 17 variations of an armbar, along with 50 other pointless moves in every match?

Why is the movelist argument coming up yet again? I agree with your comment, but it's got to be one of the least important aspects of what makes you a good performer in the ring. Austin, Rock and Foley didn't need amazing movesets and no one whines about them, so why is Cena the only guy to get this kind of crap thrown at him all the time? Has nobody else noticed that Orton seems to be forgetting moves as he goes along? Apart from the pull back backbreaker, the suspended DDT, the punt and the RKO, what other moves does Orton have? And i mean, apart from Euro Uppercuts, dropkicks and rear chin locks? Remember when he used to gut-wrench people onto his shoulder and then fall back and deliver a neck breaker? When was the last time he did that?

If he did these moves it wouldn't make any sense, as it doesn't fit his character. This is basic in-ring psychology, why is it so hard for people to understand?

Because apparently pace, style and execution aren't as important to them as the pretty flips and potentially career ending slams.

Cena's matches are also far superior to Edge's.

In your opinion. I for one am only interested in watching the matches where Cena loses, not just because i want to see him lose, but because otherwise you're watching all the other Cena matches you've seen since 2006, all over again, just like HBK. The only thing that differs is what the opponent does TO him, before it's time for the flurry of signature moves and the pinfall/tap out.

I'd happily pay to see Cena wrestle a match where he isn't permitted to do any shoulder blocks, any spinning back suplexes, and no AA's (he can still do the 5KS though)

Edge is a one trick pony who can only have a good match if a gimmick is involved.

Remind me, what was the gimmick in his match at WM24 with Taker? Of course! That's right! There wasn't one, and that match was talked about nearly all year on this forum. Must've been shit.

As Slyfox has already said, Cena is an incredibily versatile wrestler who has had many great matches against many different wrestlers in many different situations.

Sly says a lot of things. Edge is versatlie as well, seemingly you just don't like the guy, which is fair enough, but not a valid reason to say he's not as good as someone else. Yes his gimmick matches stand out more than the one's without, but he started wrestling when you had more gimmick matches than non gimmick matches nearly every card anyway. This is a guy who spent the better half of 3 years doing nothing but ladder matches. He's this generation's Mick Foley. WM22 was like a passing of the hardcore torch to Edge, and i reiterate that i do agree that he's better with a gimmick match than without, but i'd still say even his standard one-on-one matches are more unpredictable and more enjoyable to watch than Cena's matches, and that's simply my opinion as a fan.

 

[Slyfox696]

Sly says a lot of things.

And they're all accurate as well, so what's your point?

Your post is so awful, because you're not finding fault in Cena's ability to work, but rather the style he is asked to work in a match. Match style has NOTHING to do with ring ability, it's how you WORK that style which makes up your ability. And, without a doubt, Cena works that match better than anyone in the WWE (and there are plenty in the WWE who work the style), including HBK.

As far as his selling, again, you have to point to a specific instance to prove a point, which doesn't even prove your point. I'll be completely honest, I haven't seen the match, but I think it's funny what you said about his match with Orton. Just using the information you gave, it seems to me that the story of the match was how Cena was so jacked up to fight Orton that it wasn't until Orton used the handcuffs on Cena that Cena was in a truly precarious situation. Just from what you said, there's a story AND increases the plight of the face, which serves to rally the fans behind him.

You don't have to wrestle or pass an exam to understand wrestling. There are PLENTY of sources out in print and on the web to help people understand the true nature of wrestling. And just because YOU don't, doesn't mean that I can't.

Edge is an overrated worker, who ONLY gets the praise he gets because those 90% uneducated fans the previous poster was talking about think that being a heel and doing a bunch of moves makes you a good wrestler. Look no further than this thread for proof of that.

It's simple. Cena is a better worker than Edge, and it's not debatable.

 

[Tastycles]

Its Edge in terms of individual versitility, but I think I'd stil think Cena overall. Cena is able to have an entertaining match with just about everyone, and while this is true of Edge, Edge does not bring the best out in his opponents the way Cena does. I think Randy Orton is one of the worst main eventers in history, but I like his matches with Cena. Edge does not bring the same sort of level out of his opponents.

I think Cena's psychology is immensely overrated -people talks as if he is Hogan or something, but he really, really isn't. He hasn't grasped the way to look like you're overcoming the odds without turning into superman, and this is probably best illustrated in his second match with The Miz.

I guess when it comes down to it, I think I generally prefer Edge's best matches over Cena, but if I had to choose either to fight against a random wrestler that I didn't know in advance, I'd go with Cena, because he's better at drawing the best from his opponents.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Who the heck ever said that Cena was good at telling stories in the ring????? I have NEVER heard that from anyone. And back to the question, of which there is no question, Edge by far.

You must not hear much then if you haven't heard that Cena tells a great story in the ring. You stated that Edge is better than Cena by far but you haven't explained why so I can't take you seriously. What does Edge do in the ring that is better than Cena? Bring something to the table instead of you what just wrote.

 

[Slyfox696]

Who the heck ever said that Cena was good at telling stories in the ring????? I have NEVER heard that from anyone. And back to the question, of which there is no question, Edge by far.

Well, me, for one.

Want an example? The most obvious example of this was his Wrestlemania 22 match with Triple H. It was billed as "The Brawler vs. The Wrestler", and the match started that way, with Triple H "out-wrestling" Cena, but Cena using his brawling and sheer power to keep the match even. And how did Cena win the match? With a drop-toe hold (a wrestling move) and the STS (a submission move). Thus, the "Brawler" defeated the "Wrestler", with wrestling moves.

That's just one example, and there are plenty more.

 

[Ytoojae]

I think it's funny that people want to criticize Cena's selling, and then point to specific matches that happened years ago they know everyone will think of.

If Cena's selling was actually not good, don't you think you could point to ANY match and point out the flaws, and not one that happened years ago?

The triple threat match was the main event at Survivor Series a month ago dumbass. Years ago? I didn't know you were Michael J Fox and living in the future.

As for being enthralled in the match - notice the booing and the chanting starts the second Cena is shown backstage, continues when he comes through the curtain and during the match. The only time where the booing/cheering changes is when it's clear that he's about to win it or he's going for a pinfall.

It's generally the same reaction the entire time. Honestly, if I were an anti-Cena fan I'd give him NO reaction. In fact, I'd stand up (even if it pissed off those behind me) and turn and face AWAY from the ring. Those anti-Cena fans don't want to see him in the position he is; simple -- turn your back on him.

 

[Slyfox696]

The triple threat match was the main event at Survivor Series a month ago dumbass. Years ago? I didn't know you were Michael J Fox and living in the future.

My mistake, I thought you were one of the masses who keeps pointing back to the HBK vs. Cena match from Wrestlemania.

I'll tell you what. Let me watch the match first, and then I'll get back to you on how you were wrong. Okay?

As for being enthralled in the match - notice the booing and the chanting starts the second Cena is shown backstage, continues when he comes through the curtain and during the match. The only time where the booing/cheering changes is when it's clear that he's about to win it or he's going for a pinfall.

While you're completely wrong about the amount of booing Cena gets at 95% of the shows he works (seeing how it's only PPVs where he MIGHT get that response, and many times doesn't), let's address the second part of your statement.

"The only time where the booing/cheering changes is when it's clear that he's about to win it or he's going for a pinfall."

Exactly?? If the crowd WASN'T enthralled in the match, do you think they would be excited when a win is about to happen? I mean, you just completel killed your whole argument. The whole point of a wrestling match is to develop a story in the match, with the decision usually being the climax. And if people are hot for the climax of the story, then how can you say that Cena didn't hook them and that the crowd wasn't enthralled.

You just defeated your own argument.

It's generally the same reaction the entire time. Honestly, if I were an anti-Cena fan I'd give him NO reaction.

Then you're one of the smarter blind Cena haters, because what most people like you don't realize is that by buying tickets to see him lose, and creating a great atmosphere for his matches, you're just contributing to his success.

In fact, I'd stand up (even if it pissed off those behind me) and turn and face AWAY from the ring. Those anti-Cena fans don't want to see him in the position he is; simple -- turn your back on him.

Then he'd have you hooked too...the fact that you've paid money to see a show that he's working, and that you care enough about him to actually turn your back on the show means that he has you hooked to. In a different way, perhaps, but still has you hooked.

 

[The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh]

And they're all accurate as well, so what's your point?

Really? I have to spell that out for you? It means you talk a lot about wrestling but that doesn't mean you know a lot about wrestling.

Your post is so awful, because you're not finding fault in Cena's ability to work, but rather the style he is asked to work in a match.

Fairly certain i commented on Cena's storytelling, selling, and crowd interaction, all aspects of in-ring ability. Yes i mentioned his style and how i feel about it, but that's not the ONLY thing i commented on was it? Everything Green Ranger commented on, i commented on and we weren't BOTH talking about style and nothing else were we?

Match style has NOTHING to do with ring ability, it's how you WORK that style which makes up your ability.

Exactly, which is why i commented on the different aspects of how he presents himself in the ring and during matches. Only once did i bring up the brawler-style point, yet according to you, that's all i mentioned.

And, without a doubt, Cena works that match better than anyone in the WWE (and there are plenty in the WWE who work the style), including HBK.

Well there obviously is doubt, otherwise there wouldn't be people debating it in this thread otherwise.

As far as his selling, again, you have to point to a specific instance to prove a point

That is usually how people validate their views and opinions, ya know, with examples. I notice that you rarely give examples yet expect everyone to accept your views blindly.

which doesn't even prove your point.

Hold on a sec. I said that Cena is poor at selling, and then gave an example of poor selling on his part, but that doesn't prove my point? Sly, were you high when you posted this response?

I'll be completely honest, I haven't seen the match

So then, your view is worthless in regards that match then isn't it?

but I think it's funny what you said about his match with Orton. Just using the information you gave, it seems to me that the story of the match was how Cena was so jacked up to fight Orton that it wasn't until Orton used the handcuffs on Cena that Cena was in a truly precarious situation. Just from what you said, there's a story AND increases the plight of the face, which serves to rally the fans behind him.

Your praising his storytelling instead of defending his selling ability, which is the context i was using that example in. On camera, it came across as though Cena could only ever feel pain if his hands are suspended above his head. He wrestles 20 minutes taking bumps and just gets up a little slower each time. Then he gets handcuffed and starts screaming as loud as he can whenever he's hit, like he's auditioning for Passion of the Christ 2. Like from mute to full volume in the space of 5 seconds.

You don't have to wrestle or pass an exam to understand wrestling. There are PLENTY of sources out in print and on the web to help people understand the true nature of wrestling.

But that doesn't mean that it's impossible to misinterpret their perceptions/descriptions/explanations does it? You'll never truly understand any theory unless you put it into practise yourself.

And just because YOU don't, doesn't mean that I can't.

Never said it did. But it also doesn't mean that you know what you're talking about now either, does it?

Edge is an overrated worker

Yet another Slyfox opinion presented as if it's fact.

who ONLY gets the praise he gets because those 90% uneducated fans the previous poster was talking about think that being a heel and doing a bunch of moves makes you a good wrestler. Look no further than this thread for proof of that.

Proof of what? That uneducated fans only care about flashy moves and being cool, or that Edge is a bad worker. If it's the former, then wake up Sly, i actually agreed with GR on that point, and if it's the latter, then that's not proof, it's a collection of opinions, which is by no means proof of anything.

And since i'm not one fo those types of fans, i decided to argue with him, and now you. Edge's matches are more varied in terms of how he works his matches, from running like a true coward and needing help, to cheating immediately and laying waste to his opponents with relative ease, to proving he's the superior athlete, to simply being the luckiest guy in the ring at the time, as opposed to Cena whose whole story is just 'i'll win because that's what i said i'd do, and everyone will love it.'

Edge's signature moves come out of nowhere in any given order. Forget what move it was, they're just not easy to predict from a mile away like Cena's, adding to that unpredictability and variation, PLUS he can evoke a reaction with every little thing he does, as opposed to Cena who's either boo'ed or cheered from the minute he's on camera until the minute he's off. But the people cheering are the women and kids who'd cheer if he gutted a new born puppy in front of their eyes, and the people booing would only stop if he blew his brains out in the centre of the ring. Sure, he's certainly getting a reaction, but these days when it's one of these constant reactions, it's just the haters telling the talent that they suck, and the fans cheering back so that the haters will shut up. It's not about cheering for a well executed sequence or a great story, it's people trying to drown out each other's opinions. Kind of like you when you say things like 'it's not debatable.' That's your way of saying 'I like Cena, and you're wrong if you don't.'

It's simple. Cena is a better worker than Edge, and it's not debatable.

Again, it clearly is, because that's what's been happening for the last 5 pages of this thread. It hasn't been 5 pages of people voting for Cena, it's been a collection of viewpoints, some of which clash, sparking a debate, so clearly it IS debatable.

 

[Billie Jean]

This is a hard decision for me to make. I am a huge fan of both of these superstars and I think they are the two greatest of their generation. However, I do think there is a clear cut winner between the two. And although it is not by much, there is still a winner. I will work out both the pros and cons for these superstars to make sure I make a fair and unbiased decision.

Edge

Pros-I love Edge as a wrestler. I have always loved him. he is an entertaining worker who has all the necessities to be one of the greatest in the last little while. He has great mic skills, but that is not what is being asked. He is a superb in ring worker. He can work a very versatile match and like Mr.Ecko has said, he is a fantastic worker when he is in the ring. He can work TLC matches, he can work chair, ladder, Hell in a Cell, table, well whatever you want to throw at him. He is a wrestler who, although he has a very brutal style, especially for a smaller guy, can make it work. his gimmick is something that has been tried on many occasions before too, the kind of opportunist thing, and honestly there is no one that has made it work better than Edge yet.

Cons- This is a statement that I will probably get repped badly for, but this is something that will possibly apply to Cena through too. He can be injury prone. I think that if Edge was around more we could have had something special. If he had longer title reigns he could really establish himself as someone who could be considered one of the greats, if he is not already. Through, none of this is his fault. His title reigns have been very good considering the length of them and has done excellent with what he has to work with.

The guy is an excellent worker and definitely one of the best in the business today.

John Cena

Pros- I said at the start of the thread I was going to be unbiased, and I promise I will keep it like this. As you could probably tell form my avatar and my signature, I am a huge John Cena fan, I feel that not only is he one of the best of our generation but he will in the end be remembered up there with the greats. He is very good in the ring. Although, I think for versatility, Edge may edge it. But like Sly has been putting across, it aint all about it. He has great ring philology, just like Edge, and wrestles a very different style. The brawler style is the style of the eighties, and today’s style is more found upon to be the Rey Mysterio flippy stuff, which to be honest I prefer. But for me, John Cena just makes the brawler style so likable. He can wrestle Triple H, Evan Bourne or Big Show. Have you noticed something? They are all of different styles. I think that Cena has a wider range than Edge as who he can make look good and have chemistry with. Cena has also proven he can hold the championship and have a great reign, although he has not done it for a few years.

Cons- I think, that like Edge, Cena can be very injury prone. I know he has only been injured a few times in his career, but it is lately in the last two to three years that John has been starting to pick up some relay nasty injures. I fell that what Mr.Ecko said is also true, about him only being able to wrestle a certain style, although I disagree with some peoples criticism of his in ring ability.

Overall conclusion

Is it not funny that both these guys best matches have been with each other? I know it odes not relate to this, but I think these two could have a great Rock Austin like rivalry if they both stick around.

Like I said at the start of my post I was going to try and be as un biast as possible. And I know many will disagree with this, but I think it is very hard to make a decision. They for me are very different with a lot of positives and negatives. But I do think they are the two best superstars of their generation. That is just my opinion and I believe it to be true. I think because of Edges opportunist gimmick we have not yet to see him wrestle many more styles that we know he could pull off. But what is not to say that John Cena cannot wrestle a different style? They are both great athletes, but I can't honestly make a decision.

EDIT:I know at the start of the thread I said there was a clear winner, but after going through both superstars acomplisments, I think it was fair to end up making the result a draw.

 

[Ytoojae]

I don't know who put you on this earth but I pity them. You are a fool.

I defeated my own argument?

I'm sorry but a pinning attempt isn't the only key spot of a match. You've proven my point by agreeing that it is the only time the crowd changes their vocal pleasure/displeasure.

How? The crowd has the same level of noise during a damn rest hold as they do when Cena goes for his power moves and when he's getting his ass beaten. REST HOLDS!!!!!!! I mean for crying out loud, you'd think that if Jericho hit the lionsault (for example; not his finishing move, but one of his go-to moves) the crowd would react differently than if Jericho had him in a rest hold, but no.... In every other Jericho match the lionsault gets a markedly different response than the rest of the match but not in a Cena match. The fans don't give a damn if it's a rest hold or it's a go-to move. They react the SAME.

The only time it's different is if it's a pinfall attempt. I mean, that right there says something. The crowd doesn't give a shit about what's going on in the ring until the very end. It's the same response.

Watch any other wrestler. Watch guys who are famous for telling stories in the ring. The best example got match of the year at the Slammies. The Undertaker defeating Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania. The crowd went mental but in all of the right spots. It was a tidal wave of emotion during that match. It ebbed and flowed. It was the exact opposite of a Cena match where from the word go regardless of what was happening in the ring the crowd cheered or booed at the same monotonous level.

Cena gets booed EVERYWHERE he goes, even at house shows in almost every country that he wrestles in. It's the SAME exact response. You either hate SuperCena or you're a litte kid or an adult still fond of Superman Vs Lex Luther and idolize him. There isn't very much middle ground when it comes to Cena and while the WWE likes it there are a growing number of fans who are sick to death of it. Enough is enough.

You are right though. The point of a match is to develop a story in the match, with the decision usually being the climax. However, what you're entirely missing is that that story is meant to ebb and flow (just as the Taker / Michaels match did). The crowd was perfect in that match. You actually used a good Cena example of where the crowd was into it at the right spots. Wrestlemania 22. Still, you're being your own worst enemy again -- picking a match from years ago to illustrate your point. Other people can't do it, but you can?

Watch that match again and watch ANY Cena match on television these days. Watch what happens in his next RAW match. The crowd in the Wrestlemania match, which I attended, was not at the same montonous level for the entire match. The crowd ebbed and flowed during the match as a wrestling crowd should. When there was a key point of the match the crowd was beyond loud. When it was a low point in the match and they were either building to something or were having a rest hold the crowd sat in anticipation waiting for it to evolve. A Cena match does not illicit that same response anymore. It hasn't for a long time. The crowd of a Cena match now is monotonous throughout until the very end. There is no ebb and flow. There is noise. It isn't a crowd reacting as a crowd should.

I don't think that it is a great atmosphere. I'm not even a Cena hater. I actually LIKE the guy. I'm just sick to death of the way he's been used in the same exact manner month after month. It stopped being entertaining long ago.

You want great atmosphere? Go watch that Michaels Vs Undertaker match again. Then you'll understand how a wrestling crowd is supposed to react. Even the greatest mark out match of all-time, Hogan Vs Rock, ebbed and flowed. It's what made it classic.

Mark Madden nailed it on the head in his column on here this past week. It all seems robotic all too often. The crowd makes noise. It doesn't matter what is happening the crowd makes their noise. It doesn't matter what goes on inside the ring, especially in a Cena match. The audience is the same (until the very end).

If I turned my back on a Cena match he has me hooked? Because I bought tickets to see a show that he's on the card of... I didn't pay a dime to see John Cena. I would've paid to see DeGeneration X, I would have paid to have seen Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Undertaker, Kane, Randy Orton, etc. That's where my money would go - to see the guys that can elicit the right response from the crowd at the right time. Edge does this very well - it's why I'm enthralled in an Edge match.

Cena at his very best is a master of this. However, save for his feud with Orton, I can't remember the last time where he was brilliant. His first promo with Sheamus was outstanding, but the match itself? Meh - it had more to do with Cena than it did Sheamus; especially the ending.

What you're saying is that if you're anti-Cena or not a fan of what is happening ONE individual wrestler, albeit the guy who the WWE has positioned as their 'draw card' then you should not buy a ticket? I'm sorry but that's a joke. What about all the other guys out there who you do like? They don't deserve to be seen because of one wrestler?

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

I don't know who put you on this earth but I pity them. You are a fool.

I defeated my own argument?

I'm sorry but a pinning attempt isn't the only key spot of a match. You've proven my point by agreeing that it is the only time the crowd changes their vocal pleasure/displeasure.

How? The crowd has the same level of noise during a damn rest hold as they do when Cena goes for his power moves and when he's getting his ass beaten. REST HOLDS!!!!!!! I mean for crying out loud, you'd think that if Jericho hit the lionsault (for example; not his finishing move, but one of his go-to moves) the crowd would react differently than if Jericho had him in a rest hold, but no.... In every other Jericho match the lionsault gets a markedly different response than the rest of the match but not in a Cena match. The fans don't give a damn if it's a rest hold or it's a go-to move. They react the SAME.

The only time it's different is if it's a pinfall attempt. I mean, that right there says something. The crowd doesn't give a shit about what's going on in the ring until the very end. It's the same response.

Watch any other wrestler. Watch guys who are famous for telling stories in the ring. The best example got match of the year at the Slammies. The Undertaker defeating Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania. The crowd went mental but in all of the right spots. It was a tidal wave of emotion during that match. It ebbed and flowed. It was the exact opposite of a Cena match where from the word go regardless of what was happening in the ring the crowd cheered or booed at the same monotonous level.

Cena gets booed EVERYWHERE he goes, even at house shows in almost every country that he wrestles in. It's the SAME exact response. You either hate SuperCena or you're a litte kid or an adult still fond of Superman Vs Lex Luther and idolize him. There isn't very much middle ground when it comes to Cena and while the WWE likes it there are a growing number of fans who are sick to death of it. Enough is enough.

You are right though. The point of a match is to develop a story in the match, with the decision usually being the climax. However, what you're entirely missing is that that story is meant to ebb and flow (just as the Taker / Michaels match did). The crowd was perfect in that match. You actually used a good Cena example of where the crowd was into it at the right spots. Wrestlemania 22. Still, you're being your own worst enemy again -- picking a match from years ago to illustrate your point. Other people can't do it, but you can?

Watch that match again and watch ANY Cena match on television these days. Watch what happens in his next RAW match. The crowd in the Wrestlemania match, which I attended, was not at the same montonous level for the entire match. The crowd ebbed and flowed during the match as a wrestling crowd should. When there was a key point of the match the crowd was beyond loud. When it was a low point in the match and they were either building to something or were having a rest hold the crowd sat in anticipation waiting for it to evolve. A Cena match does not illicit that same response anymore. It hasn't for a long time. The crowd of a Cena match now is monotonous throughout until the very end. There is no ebb and flow. There is noise. It isn't a crowd reacting as a crowd should.

I don't think that it is a great atmosphere. I'm not even a Cena hater. I actually LIKE the guy. I'm just sick to death of the way he's been used in the same exact manner month after month. It stopped being entertaining long ago.

You want great atmosphere? Go watch that Michaels Vs Undertaker match again. Then you'll understand how a wrestling crowd is supposed to react. Even the greatest mark out match of all-time, Hogan Vs Rock, ebbed and flowed. It's what made it classic.

Mark Madden nailed it on the head in his column on here this past week. It all seems robotic all too often. The crowd makes noise. It doesn't matter what is happening the crowd makes their noise. It doesn't matter what goes on inside the ring, especially in a Cena match. The audience is the same (until the very end).

If I turned my back on a Cena match he has me hooked? Because I bought tickets to see a show that he's on the card of... I didn't pay a dime to see John Cena. I would've paid to see DeGeneration X, I would have paid to have seen Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Undertaker, Kane, Randy Orton, etc. That's where my money would go - to see the guys that can elicit the right response from the crowd at the right time. Edge does this very well - it's why I'm enthralled in an Edge match.

Cena at his very best is a master of this. However, save for his feud with Orton, I can't remember the last time where he was brilliant. His first promo with Sheamus was outstanding, but the match itself? Meh - it had more to do with Cena than it did Sheamus; especially the ending.

What you're saying is that if you're anti-Cena or not a fan of what is happening ONE individual wrestler, albeit the guy who the WWE has positioned as their 'draw card' then you should not buy a ticket? I'm sorry but that's a joke. What about all the other guys out there who you do like? They don't deserve to be seen because of one wrestler?

So you're saying the crowd reacts the same in a Cena and then you said they couldn't give a shit until the very end? Shouldn't that mean that Cena gets no reaction until the finish contradicting your own statement? I don't know how many Cena matches you have watched but he gets cheered or booed throughout the whole match. I bet you some wrestlers wished they had that kind of reaction during this matches but they don't which goes to show that Cena is better than those wrestlers.

 

[Ytoojae]

What I'm saying is that the crowd's reaction to Cena is at the same level regardless of what is happening in the ring until the end of the match.

It doesn't matter if the match is in a rest hold or if as an example Jericho has done the lionsault - their noise level only changes when Cena is about to go for the pinfall or, on the rare occasion, he is about to lose.

Classic matches always ebb and flow and so with it the crowd's level of noise. Taker Vs Michaels @ WM25 was a classic example. The crowd was loud but they went up and down as the match progressed. It was electric. They ate it up but they had the right response at the right time.

What I'm saying is that Cena doesn't have this. The crowd is at the same level regardless of what is going on in the ring. I'd rather have the ebb and flow than the crowd making noise for the sake of making noise. I know which one adds to the match and which one is noise for noises sake.

What you're saying in that counter argument is guys such as Michaels and Undertaker aren't as good as John Cena because they elicit the right response at the right time rather than creating the same level of noise all match long. That's bullshit. I say that Taker and Michaels are better because they can elicit the right response at the right time.

 

[VKO]

In the ring I would say Edge is better for the simple reason that I've been entertained by more of Edge's matches than Cena. He has had great tag team matches with Rey Mysterio against Angle & Benoit. The three classic Wrestlemania TLC matches as well as the one against Cena at Unforgiven and the Ladder match with Edge this year. His Steel Cage match with Matt Hardy and many matches with The Undertaker including one at Wrestlemania.

John Cena has had some good matches too. But most of them were with Edge. His matches with Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania and in London were pretty good but other than that not many Cena matches stand out. That is why I think Edge is a better in-ring performer because I've been entertained by more Edge matches than Cena matches.

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

Edge is superior in every aspect of wrestling, especially WRESTLING itself. Cena has a limited move set, as everyone else on this topic has stated, and the moves he does are usually done is some half-ass fashion. Like that suplex where he kind of, sort hooks the leg fisherman style. Or his flying shoulder blocks that have about as much explosion as Batista's spear, or the Big Shows 40-yard dash. Edge is overrated in my book, but leaps and bounds better than Cena.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Edge is superior in every aspect of wrestling, especially WRESTLING itself. Cena has a limited move set, as everyone else on this topic has stated, and the moves he does are usually done is some half-ass fashion. Like that suplex where he kind of, sort hooks the leg fisherman style. Or his flying shoulder blocks that have about as much explosion as Batista's spear, or the Big Shows 40-yard dash. Edge is overrated in my book, but leaps and bounds better than Cena.

So because Cena has this "limited moveset", he's less of a wrestler than Edge. Everyone has a limited moveset and does the same moves night in and night out so don't come on here and act like Cena's the only one. You haven't given one reason why Edge is better in the ring than Cena so I don't take your opinion seriously until you bring some better arguments. Cena tells a story in the ring better and gets the crowd involved better than Edge.

In the ring I would say Edge is better for the simple reason that I've been entertained by more of Edge's matches than Cena. He has had great tag team matches with Rey Mysterio against Angle & Benoit. The three classic Wrestlemania TLC matches as well as the one against Cena at Unforgiven and the Ladder match with Edge this year. His Steel Cage match with Matt Hardy and many matches with The Undertaker including one at Wrestlemania.

John Cena has had some good matches too. But most of them were with Edge. His matches with Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania and in London were pretty good but other than that not many Cena matches stand out. That is why I think Edge is a better in-ring performer because I've been entertained by more Edge matches than Cena matches.

Let's go through your argument and the logic you used. Edge is better because you've been entertained more by his matches? I've been entertained by more Evan Bourne matches than Shawn Michaels but do I think he is better than HBK. No he isn't and I've never been an HBK fan but even I can see he is better than Bourne.

For future reference, check your facts before you put them on here before you get seriously embarrased. Edge has only had one TLC match at Wrestemania and he and John Cena haven't wrestled in a ladder match this year. I guess you can like those overrated Undertaker matches. It is your preference after all.

I haven't seen a greater Edge match since he became a main eventer other than he was facing John Cena. Edge's best matches have come against Cena but Cena's best matches haven't come against Edge. Cena brought out the best matches Umaga and The Great Khali ever had. He brought out the best match Bobby Lashley ever had. His matches with Orton are the best Orton has had in almost five years. His matches with HBK and HHH have been good.

John Cena has always managed to bring the best out of his opponents and that is what matters of being good in the ring. Do you think Edge would have faced these same opponents and gotten the same great matches out of them? They would not because Edge isn't versatile enough to face those opponents. Cena can brawl with superheavyweights and Edge doesn't have the style to face those superheavyweights and get the same great matches that Cena has. Edge is good, but not as good as John Cena.

 

[HBK-aholic]

Up until recently I'd preferred to watch Edge in the ring. And seeings as wrestling ability is about making people want to watch, I'm going to vote for Edge here. He is really a great wrestler and a sure Hall of Famer. You've actually posed a really tough question here KB, because everything you can say about Edge, you can say about Cena. I'm thinking about this based on personal opinion because I've never been a huge Cena fan, although he has improved immensely recently. Looking at their entire body of work, my favourite is Edge; he's simply more entertaining in the ring.