John Cena is a name synonymous with WWE and professional wrestling. The 16-time world champion has made an everlasting impression on the sport, enthralling viewers with his charming demeanor and amazing in-ring talents. But when did Cena first step foot inside the squared circle?
In this article, we will delve into the origins of John Cena’s wrestling career, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. Join us as we go into The Champ’s illustrious WWE background and see the maturation of a superstar who has engraved his name in wrestling mythology.
When did John Cena first start to wrestle?
John Cena’s wrestling journey began after a brief stint in football and bodybuilding. While at Springfield College, he excelled as an NCAA Division III All-American center on the college football team. However, Cena eventually shifted his focus to bodybuilding, participating in various competitions to showcase his impressive physique. Yet, his true passion lay in the world of professional wrestling.
In 1999, Cena embarked on his wrestling training at Ultimate Pro Wrestling’s Ultimate University in California. Over the course of two years, he honed his skills and learned the fundamentals of the sport. Notably, Cena’s time at UPW coincided with fellow wrestler Samoa Joe’s own training.
During his tenure with UPW, Cena adopted an intriguing persona known as ‘The Prototype,’ a semi-robotic character boasting a blend of man and machine. In April 2000, he captured the UPW World Heavyweight Championship, holding the title for 27 days.
Following his time at UPW, Cena made appearances in dark matches on WWE’s SmackDown in late 2000. He officially signed with WWE’s developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he further refined his craft. Cena’s success in OVW included a three-month reign as the OVW Heavyweight Champion and a tag team partnership with Rico Constantino as the OVW Southern Tag Team Champions.
John Cena revealed that his first contract with WWE was only $12,000 a year.
(Hart to Heart w/Kevin Hart).
Crazy.
Never gave up & now one of the greatest to ever live. pic.twitter.com/CyrIz4UxWs
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) July 6, 2023
In June 2002, Cena made his official in-ring debut on WWE SmackDown, marking his transition to the main roster. Despite his promotion, Cena continued to make appearances in OVW until September 2000. From there, the 16-time World Champion embarked on a legendary career that solidified his status as one of the most iconic figures in WWE history.
Looking at John Cena’s legacy and career
As a young adolescent, Cena’s enthusiasm for weightlifting launched him into the world of entertainment. Cena began his professional wrestling career in 2000 as “The Prototype.”
Throughout his wrestling career, Cena won over 16 WWE world championships and became one of the organization’s most popular personalities. His championship reigns include multiple WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship victories.
Parallel to his wrestling journey, Cena ventured into acting, showcasing his skills in various genres. He appeared in action films like The Marine (2006) and 12 Rounds (2009), as well as comedy movies including Trainwreck (2015) and Blockers (2018). Cena’s talents extended to voice acting in animated films like Ferdinand (2017) and Dolittle (2020).
Cena’s talents extended beyond wrestling and acting, as he wrote a series of children’s novels, including Elbow Grease, which was released in 2018. He also wrote self-help books such as Do Your Best Every Day to Do Your Best Every Day and Be a Work in Progress: And Other Things I’d Like to Tell My Younger Self. He has granted over 650 wishes for children with life-threatening medical illnesses via the Make-A-Wish Foundation, making him the organization’s top wish granter.
His influence on the wrestling industry, large fan base, and humanitarian endeavors have cemented his place as a pop culture legend.
