The character that Cena has played on television isnt just a professional wrestling gimmick, a white meat babyface in primary colours. Hes the skewed product of the worst parts of two booming eras of WWF/E pro wrestling: the golden era of the eighties, and the Attitude Era. John Cenas overcoming-all-odds Superman character is a throwback to that huge rock n wrestling golden era, when Wrestlemania was just beginning. Cena is the Hulk Hogan of the modern era, complete with younger audience, over-inflated physique and indomitable persona. He wears pretty much all of his own merchandise to the ring at all times, and often to public appearances, meaning that hes almost never out of his ring gear - because hes a human action figure, and this is his brand. That outfit that CM Punk and The Rock have poured scorn on is both a superhero costume and product placement. However, Cena also represents the worst part of the Attitude Era, all shouting, catchphrases and immediate recourse to gratuitous violence as a way of resolving conflict... not to mention the casual homophobia and misogyny, accusations that still befall The Rock whenever he returns to WWE to ad-lib some pre-prepared promos. The two arent mutually exclusive, but they dont sit well together. The John Cena thats a cartoon character role model for the little kids that adore him is the same John Cena that delivers Attitude Adjustments and STFs to people that look at him funny, and who makes childish references to women he doesnt like being whores, and men he doesnt like enjoying the sexual company of other men he doesnt like. John Cena is a clear attempt to market a top level star that represents the two biggest eras of growth in the companys history. WWE just need to be much more careful about keeping the playground banter out of the playground. It's 'John Cena' who needs an attitude adjustment.
Professional writer, punk werewolf and nesting place for starfish. Obsessed with squid, spirals and story. I publish short weird fiction online at desincarne.com, and tweet nonsense under the name Jack The Bodiless. You can follow me all you like, just don't touch my stuff.
