WWE: Has John Cena Won Everyone Over?

Following a loss against Roman Reigns on Sunday at WWE No Mercy, John Cena received applause from the WWE Universe.  Which begs the question, has Cena won over the majority of fans that were booing him just a few years ago?

The build between John Cena and Reigns has shined a different light on the leader of the Cenation.  Cena usually elicits a mixed response from fans, but for most of his feud with Reigns has been received as the overwhelming babyface.

Once again at WWE No Mercy, it was clear that the crowd was firmly behind Cena.  He delivered everything he had with A.A. after A.A., yet nothing was enough to keep Reigns down for good.

Following a tremendous effort by Cena, the fans at Staples Center chanted “thank you Cena” to show their appreciation.  Could it be that Cena was just receiving a positive reaction because of his opponent?  Yes, I believe that had a little to do with it, but I believe there is more to it than that.

Could it be that finally the fans are empathetic for John Cena?  I mean Cena did deliver four A.A.’s, including a “Super A.A.” which was delivered from the middle rope.  Yet that was not enough to beat WWE’s new number one guy, Roman Reigns.

That last statement might be another reason why the adult male crowd is warming up to Cena.  Cena is no longer the company’s number one guy.  WWE’s number one guy is the superstar who usually takes his opponents best shots and still finds a way to come out on top.

WWE.com

For many years Cena was the guy that would find ways to survive his opponent’s finisher and still come out on top.  After this process was repeated with Cena in what felt like every feud he was in, the adult male demographic started to show resentment.  If there is one thing the I.W.C. cannot stand it is a bland, stale character.

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For what seemed like a decade, Cena was on television every week making the overexposure of this character even worse.  Now at 40 years old, Cena is looking at the next phase of his life and has made some transitions into television and movies.  These transitions are what makes Cena must-see television, because as fans we do not know how much longer Cena has left.

Between injuries and planned departures over the past few years, a routine has started where Cena returns for three months and then goes away for three months.  On top of that Cena has added some much needed edge to his character in that time.  Cena knows that the microphone is the one area where he still shines brightest, and by destroying other superstars on the microphone it keeps his stock high.

On top of everything listed above, biases aside, John Cena is the greatest in wrestling history.  While fans have had issues with his character over the years, deep down most fans know this to be fact.

Think about it.  How long was Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Stone Cold, or Shawn Michaels at the top of one company?  Also keep in mind how much WWE has grown over the years and the amount of media obligations required of a top superstar now.  Granting wishes for terminally-ill children is just as much a part of being the best as a five star match or a well executed promo is.  The truth is Cena checks all of the boxes listed above.

While the “let’s go Cena” and “Cena sucks” may follow him for the rest of his career, it is similar to the “you suck” chants directed at Kurt Angle.  There does not seem to be the same venom behind those chants that there once were.  At a certain point the chants become instinct and no longer are delivering the same context that they once were.

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Now when we see Cena, we hear more “Cena!  Cena!  Cena!” chants.  It turns out that reduced exposure, along with the back nine of a career, is what it took for Cena to finally start winning his critics over.