10 Secret Genius Details Behind Wrestler Entrances

2. John Cena's Undying Enthusiasm

Malakai Black
WWE.com

Everybody has an opinion on John Cena

It's a strange role, the top WWE star of the PG Era. They aren't pro wrestling babyfaces in the strictest sense but rather beaming brand ambassadors. Hosts. They call the Hulk Hogans of the world "guest hosts" because the normal hosts of the emulated sporting card are the people that fight. They recap last week's show, welcome you to this week's, and generally do things that Steve Austin wouldn't because he was really over.

John Cena was the best guy WWE had at a gig that is so strange and dumb when you think about it for more than a second. He was good at it because he liked to do it. He was a prideful workhorse, still is, and this unreal work ethic split opinion. This is a man who was so into being WWE's top guy that he sprinted full pelt into the ring. It was a small but powerful choice. His unbridled enthusiasm connected massively with the family audience. His giddiness was infectious, and it all started with that can't-wait charge. Of course, this was insufferable to many, who loathed his caterwauling suck-up tactics.

But this in turn informed the whole boo-yay thing that elevated him to iconic status, demanding that everybody hold an opinion on John Cena.

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Malakai Black
 
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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!