Highlights
- John Cena's return to WWE in 2023 has been a massive event, boosting viewership and igniting the fervor of wrestling fans worldwide.
- Despite his legendary status, Cena hasn't won a televised singles match in over 2000 days, raising questions about his current role and the significance of defeating him.
- Defeating Cena in 2023 may not have the same impact it once did, as seen with Austin Theory's lukewarm response after beating him, highlighting the need for a delicate balance in Cena's role.
For decades, John Cena has been the embodiment of excellence, earning the title of the "Greatest of All Time." His recent return to WWE in 2023 has ignited the wrestling universe, as fans eagerly anticipate his every move. But beneath the roar of the crowd and the dazzling lights of the ring lies a curious and compelling tale, one that questions the significance of defeating this legend in the current WWE landscape. It's a story of an incredible career, a streak that's remained dormant, and the diminishing impact of his losses on those who stand victorious against him. The question looms today if defeating John Cena in 2023 is really a big deal.
John Cena Returns To WWE
With his undeniable charisma, unwavering dedication, and a seemingly endless arsenal of finishing moves, Cena's legacy in professional wrestling is nothing short of extraordinary. While Cena's foray into Hollywood momentarily took him away from the WWE spotlight, his heart never truly left the squared circle. His return to WWE in September 2023 was nothing short of a seismic event. His regular appearances on SmackDown and Pay-Per-View events brought a surge in viewership and ignited the fervor of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. The Cena effect was in full force, reminding everyone why he's considered the cornerstone of WWE especially when it comes to those precious ratings.
To the uninitiated, it may seem like a blast from the past, but to long-time fans, it was a glorious return to familiar territory. The man who was the face of WWE throughout much of the 2000s and early 2010s had come back to reclaim his throne and help younger talent. His presence alone is a testament to the enduring love fans have for him, and it underscores the significance of any match he's part of. Yet, even with this grand resurgence, there's a compelling question that looms over the wrestling world—what does it mean to defeat John Cena in 2023, and does it carry the same weight as it once did?
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John Cena Hasn't Won A Televised Singles Match In Many Years
While John Cena's return to WWE has been a cause for celebration among fans, there's a sobering fact that has cast a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career. Cena, who has consistently been at the pinnacle of the WWE roster, has not clinched a televised singles victory in over 2000 days as he himself pointed out on SmackDown. This startling statistic raises important questions about his current role in WWE and the relevance of defeating him in a one-on-one contest. To understand the significance of this streak, one must harken back to a time when Cena's hand was often raised in triumph on WWE's biggest stages. For years, he was the face of the company, the man who carried the torch and defended his championship with unwavering determination. His wins were not just victories; they were defining moments in the careers of those who faced him. Wrestlers dreamed of stepping into the ring with Cena, not only for the prestige but for the opportunity to showcase their skills against a living legend.
However, as the calendar pages turned, Cena's victories became rarer in singles competition. The last time he secured such a win on television was at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia back in 2018, where he outlasted Triple H. Since then, his victories have largely come in tag matches. His most recent notable wins were at the WWE Superstar Spectacle where he teamed with Seth Rollins and at WWE Fastlane where he joined forces with LA Knight. His singles career, on the other hand, has been quite abysmal. After that triumphant encounter with Triple H, he lost to The Fiend at WrestleMania 36, fell to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam 2021, and then shockingly lost to Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39. It's this latter defeat that encapsulates the crux of the issue.
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Beating John Cena Did Little For Austin Theory
The loss to Austin Theory serves as a poignant example. Despite the push Theory received from WWE and the fact that he managed to defeat Cena on the grandest stage of them all, it didn't quite set the wrestling world on fire. The fans' reaction was lukewarm, and Theory now finds himself in the mid-card, often playing second fiddle to Grayson Waller.
It's crucial to understand that this isn't necessarily Cena's fault. He is doing a commendable job of putting over younger talent, which is an essential role for veterans in the business. The problem lies in striking a balance. Cena can't be expected to perpetually lose every one-on-one match. His credibility takes a hit, and he can't effectively help elevate the stars that defeat him, which essentially negates the purpose of him losing in the first place. In light of his recent promo, it appears Cena may be in line for some singles victories in the future. If he continues to stay with WWE beyond his current advertised run, he must work on rebuilding his credibility. Only by doing so can he truly assist in boosting the careers of the talents he puts over. It's about maintaining a delicate equilibrium between the past and the future, allowing Cena to continue being the legend he is while also nurturing the new generation of WWE superstars.
