John Cena's the bad guy in his final WrestleMania. Here's why that's a big deal - NPR
John Cena: The Evolution of a WWE Superstar
For most of John Cena's WWE career, you couldn't see him being a bad guy on TV. The charismatic superstar was known for his heroic character, and it's hard to imagine him as anything else. However, over the years, Cena has shown that he's capable of playing both hero and villain.
A Legacy of Heroism
John Cena debuted in 2002, and from the start, he established himself as a top-tier wrestler. He was known for his intense matches, his never-give-up attitude, and his unwavering dedication to justice. Cena's heroic character made him an instant fan favorite, and he quickly became one of the most beloved superstars in WWE history.
Throughout his career, Cena has won a record 16 WWE world championships. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent for wrestling. He's taken on the biggest names in wrestling, including The Rock, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar, and has come out on top more often than not.
The Transition to Bad Guy
But Cena's story isn't just about being a hero. Over the years, he's made several appearances as a bad guy, and these moments have added depth to his character. In 2010, Cena played the role of "The Champ" in WWE's "Legends House," a reality TV show that pitted Cena against other WWE legends.
In more recent times, Cena has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including "Trainwreck" (2015), "Blockers" (2018), and "Peacemaker" (2022). While these roles may not have been as well-known as his wrestling career, they've shown that Cena is capable of playing a wide range of characters.
Playing the Role of Peacemaker
One of Cena's most notable roles as a bad guy was in the DC Comics series "Peacemaker." The show premiered on HBO Max in 2022 and followed the story of Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, a secret agent working for the CIA. Cena played the lead role of Peacemaker, and his performance received widespread critical acclaim.
In "Peacemaker," Cena brought a unique energy to the character. He was both intense and charismatic, making him a compelling addition to the show's cast. While the series may not have been as well-known as some of Cena's other projects, it showed that he's capable of playing complex characters with depth.
The Future of John Cena
As Cena continues to evolve as an actor and wrestler, it will be exciting to see what's next for him. Will he continue to play the role of Peacemaker? Or will he return to his heroic character in WWE?
One thing is certain: John Cena has proven himself to be a versatile performer who can handle a wide range of roles. Whether he's playing hero or villain, Cena always brings a level of passion and dedication that makes him compelling to watch.
John Cena's Impact on WWE
Throughout his career, John Cena has had a profound impact on WWE. He's been a key figure in shaping the company's narrative, and his presence has helped drive ratings and engagement.
Cena's hero character has inspired countless fans around the world, and he's played a significant role in helping to build the WWE brand into what it is today. His influence extends beyond wrestling as well, with Cena being recognized for his philanthropic work and his dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Conclusion
John Cena's evolution from hero to villain (and back again) is a testament to his versatility as an actor and wrestler. From his early days as a WWE superstar to his more recent roles in TV shows and movies, Cena has consistently proven himself to be a talented performer capable of handling a wide range of characters.
As he continues to evolve as an artist, it will be exciting to see what's next for John Cena. One thing is certain: with his passion, dedication, and natural talent, Cena will always be a compelling figure to watch.