10 Important Steps In John Cena's WWE Evolution

By Jamie Kennedy /

4. Wins The 2008 Royal Rumble Match

In late-2007, John Cena suffered a serious pectoral muscle injury during a match against Mr. Kennedy. Post-show, doctors examined the star, concluding that the muscle had been ripped clean from the bone. It was revealed that Cena would be benched for at least 7 months, possibly even being off the radar for an entire year. Obviously, this was quite the setback for the man. Unbelievably, just around 3 months after the incident, Cena was back on television. Entering the 2008 Royal Rumble as a surprise entrant in January, the jean-short-wearing Cena was treated to his biggest babyface reaction in years. Fans inside Madison Square Garden seemed legitimately happy to see him, and his number 30 inclusion was the highlight of the entire show. Lastly eliminating Triple H, Cena looked like he hadn't missed a step. During interviews with other talent over the years, they have regularly referenced this time as an important one in John Cena's career. Showing incredible healing powers, Cena also displayed his determination and loyalty to the WWE brand by recovering so quickly.