10 WWE Matches That Changed EVERYTHING
9. John Cena Vs The Big Show (WrestleMania XX)
WrestleMania XX was a mixed bag. The show’s tagline referred to beginning again, but many of the men expected to usher in the next generation were unable to do so due to reasons tragic (Guerrero, Benoit) or contractual (Lesnar). Hidden in plain sight right at the top of the card was the man who would take the business forward, and he kicks things off by doing a little rap.
John Cena’s Doctor of Thuganomics gimmick was the last chance saloon for a blandly-booked babyface failing to get over. Things clicked into place when he was allowed to exercise his creativity, and from WrestleMania XX onwards, the only way was up.
Cena’s match with then-US Champion Big Show is fine, but it’s the crowd reaction that must have pricked up Vince’s ears. The New York audience (who’d turn on Big Match John down the years) hang on his every word, from his questionable lyricism to his impressive show of strength and his sneaky, brass knux-assisted win.
The next year, Cena would be besting JBL for the top belt, which he’d have a tight grasp on for the next decade. This is the birth of a megastar.