"Ruthless aggression!" It is the one trait that John Cena believed he possessed that would help him be a star at the highest level of competition the sports-entertainment world had to offer. It was that ruthless aggression, not to mention that confidence in himself, that fueled him to confront Kurt Angle on his very first night with the company and nearly knock off the Olympic gold medalist in the process. It was that self confidence that let him introduce a rapper persona that finally allowed him to connect with audiences on SmackDown through the use of comedic one-liners. And, finally, it was that confidence and that ruthless aggression that motivated him to work harder than anyone else in his quest to become the biggest star in the industry. The foundation for Cena's Hall of Fame career was laid during his days on SmackDown. Whether he was sporting traditional purple and yellow tights and losing to the likes of Rev. D'Von and Billy Kidman or rocking the throwback jersey and the custom brass knuckles and mixing it up with The Undertaker and Booker T, everything Cena did during his time on the blue brand was aimed at preparing him to ascend the ranks and takeover the throne from the Steve Austins and Rocks that came before him. It worked; Cena became the biggest star of his generation, the franchise player in WWE and the most recognizable man in the sport. But you already know that.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
