When did John Cena make his WWE debut?

John Cena is a 16-time WWE World Champion

John Cena, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, made his WWE television debut on June 27, 2002. This marked the beginning of a legendary career that would span over two decades, making him a household name in the world of sports entertainment.

Cena’s first appearance in WWE was on an episode of “SmackDown,” where he answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle, one of the company’s top stars at the time. The challenge was based on the concept of “ruthless aggression,” a term coined by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who was looking for new talents to step up and make an impact. Cena, then a relatively unknown performer, seized this opportunity, boldly proclaiming that he possessed the ruthless aggression needed to succeed in WWE.

In the encounter, John Cena demonstrated his athleticism, strength, and charisma, putting up a surprisingly competitive showing against the experienced Angle. Despite losing the match, Cena’s excellent performance gained him the respect of both fans and fellow wrestlers. This first match is widely regarded as a watershed moment in WWE history, signalling the entrance of a future megastar.

John Cena gained popularity with his debut

After making his debut, Cena quickly became a regular on “SmackDown.” He established a boisterous rapper persona that appealed to the audience, complete with freestyle raps and a particular fashion sense that included retro jerseys and a chain with a padlock. This character change enabled Cena to stand out and connect with fans more deeply.

By 2004, Cena had captured his first United States Championship, defeating Big Show at WrestleMania XX. This victory cemented his reputation as a rising star in WWE. Over the next few years, Cena’s popularity increased, resulting in multiple championship reigns and big event matches.

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Cena soon became the face of the company

Cena’s career took off when he won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, defeating JBL. This victory signified the beginning of Cena’s reign as WWE’s face. He went on to headline several WrestleMania events, including high-profile battles against industry heavyweights The Rock, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar.

John Cena’s influence grew outside the ring as well. He became WWE’s worldwide ambassador, taking part in a variety of humanitarian endeavors, including considerable work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he set a record for the most wishes granted by a single person.

After transitioning to a part-time wrestling schedule in 2018 to focus on his burgeoning acting career, Cena continued to make sporadic appearances in WWE, thrilling fans with his returns. However, in 2024, he announced his retirement from in-ring competition, set to culminate in a farewell tour throughout 2025.

John Cena’s debut on June 27, 2002, was just the beginning of a storied career that would see him become one of the most beloved and influential figures in professional wrestling history. His legacy is defined not only by his in-ring achievements but also by his dedication to giving back and his role as a global ambassador for WWE.

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