John Cena's WWE career began in 2001 after signing with the company and training in Ohio Valley Wrestling. He debuted on the main roster in 2002 on SmackDown as a brash rapper heel, quickly rising to fame with his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona.
By 2005, Cena turned face and became WWE's top star, winning his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21. From the mid-2000s to mid-2010s, he was the franchise player, headlining multiple WrestleManias and feuding with icons like Edge, Randy Orton, and The Rock.
A record 16-time world champion (13 WWE, 3 World Heavyweight), Cena's run included iconic matches like the 2010 Money in the Bank ladder bout and 2013's "Once in a Lifetime" vs. The Rock. Injuries led to part-time status in 2017, focusing on Hollywood while making sporadic returns.
He retired full-time in 2025 after a final run, cementing his legacy as one of WWE's greatest, with 17 total championships recognized by the company. (Source: Wikipedia)
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.
John Cena's WWE career began in 2001 after signing with the company and training in Ohio Valley Wrestling. He debuted on the main roster in 2002 on SmackDown as a brash rapper heel, quickly rising to fame with his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona.
By 2005, Cena turned face and became WWE's top star, winning his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21. From the mid-2000s to mid-2010s, he was the franchise player, headlining multiple WrestleManias and feuding with icons like Edge, Randy Orton, and The Rock.
A record 16-time world champion (13 WWE, 3 World Heavyweight), Cena's run included iconic matches like the 2010 Money in the Bank ladder bout and 2013's "Once in a Lifetime" vs. The Rock. Injuries led to part-time status in 2017, focusing on Hollywood while making sporadic returns.
He retired full-time in 2025 after a final run, cementing his legacy as one of WWE's greatest, with 17 total championships recognized by the company. (Source: Wikipedia)
It should've mentioned Kurt Angle regarding John Cena's debut but this is a pretty good breakdown.
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.