10 Stars WWE Are Booking Perfectly

3. John Cena

John Cena
WWE.com

The SuperCena Era became unbearable around 2014.

It had grown tiresome for years prior to that, but not unbearable, because you could see why WWE did what they did - i.e., position Cena at a level almost comically above all comers. He was the risk-free option to lead the company: enduring; family friendly; a draw; indestructible in a show with no off-season. 2014 heralded a change. Daniel Bryan, fleetingly, proved there was room in his stratosphere. CM Punk's shocking departure highlighted that his overexposure was as real for talent as it was for fans. In the background, several new players emerged - Cesaro and the Shield, most notably.

And then there was Bray Wyatt. Unfathomable as it may seem now, he was white hot heading into WrestleMania XXX. Three pay-per-views later, he was exposed by Cena as just another victim - or, in his supernaturally-powered case, a charlatan. Cena was cancer to his act, but his reduced presence - ironically, given the equally unbearable part-timer presence elsewhere - saved his standing among fans.

In 2017, he loses frequently. The balance struck, at least for now, is perfect. A victory over Cena remains a major deal because the novelty hasn't yet worn off. Until it does - and really, he won so often at his nadir that it's still a long way off - Cena remains the best possible veteran presence - a respected scalp who sees the big picture.

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!