10 Amazing WWE Debut Matches

Carlito Caribbean Cool burst onto the scene during the October 7th 2004 edition of Smackdown. The third generation superstar immediately made a name for himself by defeating a baby-faced babyface John Cena to become United States Champion in his debut match.

Presented as an obnoxious, apple-munching jerk, Carlito interrupted a promo cut by the Doctor of Thuganomics and proceeded to goad him into giving him a shot at the United States title. Cena, complete with pandering Red Sox jersey, agreed to a match in front of his hometown fans.

Later in the night, the two engaged in a hard fought contest that highlighted the mean streak Cena possessed at the time as well as Carlito's often overlooked brawling abilities. There is no denying that Cena guided this match, but Carlito was able to come across as a stubborn opponent, refusing to fall victim to Cena's crowd pleasing staples.

Eventually, Carlito picked up the surprise win using Cena's metal chain (this was 2004) to complete one of the most impactful debuts of the modern era.

While the feud went on to give us the awful storyline where Cena was stabbed at a nightclub by Carlito's overprotective bodyguard and cousin Jesus, the matches between the two were always perfectly balanced and entertaining.

Carlito went on a short undefeated run, won the Intercontinental Championship on his RAW debut, and unified the Tag Team Championships - but never made that step up to the main event that many longed to see him make.