You're right—Kurt Angle played a key role in Cena's early push. After Cena's main roster debut on June 27, 2002, on SmackDown, Angle quickly recognized his potential and advocated for him behind the scenes, helping Cena get more TV time and refine his character. Angle even mentored him in matches and storylines, which accelerated Cena's rise from jobber to midcard heel by late 2002. This laid the groundwork for his rapper persona and eventual main event status.