10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (June 1)
2. John Cena Had Heat For Beating Chris Jericho in 2002
Before John Cena, Randy Orton, Batista and Brock Lesnar started making waves in 2002, it was obvious to fans that the WWE roster needed some freshening up. Those young rookies were a much-needed injection of new talent, and everyone agreed. Everyone, that is, apart from some bitter locker room stalwarts.
Via his Something Else To Wrestle With show on the WWE Network, ex-WWE creative team member Bruce Prichard said that a few behind the scenes grumbled when guys like Cena started picking up wins over more established stars.
Specifically, some were not happy that John beat Chris Jericho at Vengeance 2002 in his pay-per-view debut.
After working so hard to reach WWE's main roster in the first place, Cena must have been slightly shocked to learn he had heat with his peers. Though Prichard didn't name those looking on jealously at the newcomer, he did admit that the writing team also had to deal with angry questions about his push.