John Cena WWE top star was a key focus for WWE throughout the early 2000s and into the next decade, but his rise was not without skepticism. Sgt. Slaughter, a WWE producer during Cena’s debut period, recently revealed that he and several other backstage officials were uncertain about Cena’s potential to become the company’s leading star.
After Cena’s first main roster match against Kurt Angle in 2002, his momentum stalled, causing Vince McMahon to weigh firing him. However, over time, Cena earned McMahon’s confidence and rose to become the company’s flagship babyface and a 17-time World Champion.
Early Backstage Doubts About Cena’s Potential
In an exclusive discussion with Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter, Sgt. Slaughter reflected on his initial reservations about Cena as WWE’s future top star. He noted that he was not alone in his doubts, as Bruce Prichard, Gerald Brisco, and Pat Patterson shared similar feelings. These seasoned personnel wondered how Cena could be molded into a heroic figure given his early inexperience in the ring.
“It’s such a thrill to see John still doing what he’s doing,” Slaughter said. “When Vince came to us at the production meeting and said, ‘My new hero’s gonna be John Cena,’ we all looked at each other, Pat and I, Brisco, and Bruce Prichard, all of us looked at each other, ‘John Cena? He can’t even lace up his tennis shoes. How are we gonna make him the hero?'”
The Turning Point in Vince McMahon’s Support
Despite initial skepticism, Vince McMahon’s belief in Cena’s dedication and work ethic played a crucial role in shifting perceptions backstage. Sgt. Slaughter highlighted that McMahon admired Cena’s willingness to listen and learn, which helped build trust between them. This trust cemented Cena’s status as a main-event player for WWE.
“Vince believed in him. He loved his work ethic and just thought, ‘This is the guy I trust that’s gonna be there when I want him to be there.’ And so he worked really, really hard, and his ears were always open to any suggestions.”
Relationship Between Cena and McMahon Beyond Wrestling
Over the past twenty years, John Cena and Vince McMahon have developed a close personal friendship. Notably, Cena attended McMahon’s 80th birthday celebration in New York shortly after performing in a SmackDown episode held in Dublin. This illustrates how Cena’s influence extended beyond the ring, strengthening his position within WWE and its leadership.
John Cena’s In-Ring Farewell and Continuing Legacy
John Cena’s in-ring career is drawing to a close as he plans to retire during the December 13 Saturday Night’s Main Event. His farewell tour has included notable matches, such as his recent loss to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza on September 20. Cena’s exit marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a cornerstone of WWE remains intact.
This transition reflects the natural shift in WWE’s spotlight, yet Cena’s impact on the company’s direction and McMahon’s trust in him underscore why he became the top star. His evolution from a doubtful rookie to a 17-time World Champion highlights his perseverance and the importance of internal support in shaping wrestling careers.
