John Cena's victory over the Big Show at WrestleMania XX not only netted him his first United States Championship, it also began his meteoric rise up the ranks in WWE. It was the moment that announced to fans that management saw him as the man to lead the company into the next decade. More importantly, it was the defining moment of his young career. Over the next year, he would win the title for a second time, while engaging Booker T in a Best-of-Five Series to determine the rightful champion. A brief, month-long hiccup in 2004, where he dropped the title to a young Carlito, was the only blemish on what was otherwise a near year-long reign. In 2015, a decade removed from the last time he held the title, Cena entered a rivalry with Rusev with the U.S. Championship up for grabs. At WrestleMania XXXI, he became the first person to defeat the Bulgarian Brute, capturing the title and lending instant credibility to the prize long considered secondary in the WWE Universe. A 15-time heavyweight champion, Cena legitimized the title the moment he acquired it and has continued to do so by defending it weekly on television, against some of the brightest young stars in WWE's midcard.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
