8 Wrestlers Who Did Unusual Things Vince McMahon Loved

3. John Cena: Dropped Bars On A Bus

The rock dog poop British Bulldog
WWE

That John Cena was almost let go from WWE not long after being called up in 2002 is a known story, with the 16-time World Champion speaking openly about becoming a "forgotten man" prior to WrestleMania 35. His bland babyface persona wasn't connecting. A memorable debut opposite Kurt Angle didn't translate until a memorable early run, and it took a radical change of character before Cena finally clicked, with the 'Doctor of Thuganomics' switch effectively saving him.

As told by former WWE writer Dave Lagana, this version of Cena arose during an international tour in 2002. John and an unnamed Superstar were spitting bars back and forth in a tour bus rap battle. Lagana, Stephanie McMahon, Paul Heyman, and a few others heard Cena, decided it was something worth rolling with, and the good Doctor was born.

This must have struck a chord with Vince McMahon as well. If it hadn't, the Chairman wouldn't have sent Cena surging through the card as the 'Doctor of Thuganomics' before installing him as his company's franchise player and one of the most successful wrestlers in WWE history, all because 'Big Match John' knew how to put a hot 16 together.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.