Within the world of WWE, John Cena is a household name. Having worked in the field for over 20 years, he never stops promising his athleticism to the audience. The Cenation Leader has never been out of the limelight throughout his career. He has taken part in several noteworthy rivalries within the WWE. He is a living example of experience and leaves an unmatched legacy.
John Cena made his WWE debut after famously confronting Kurt Angle and accepting an open challenge issued to him. John introduced the Ruthless Aggression Era in the WWE and started a movement that made him a mega-star over the years. He undoubtedly remained the flagbearer for WWE. It has truly inspired a lot of young wrestlers to work hard and never give up.
Before making it in the WWE, Cena wrestled in Ohio Valley Wrestling, which was a part of the WWE Organization for young and upcoming talents. During this time, he wrestled in various independent wrestling promotions under the ring name ‘The Prototype’. His character resembled that of a robot, making him look more like a painting than a human being.
He carried himself like a robot in anger throughout his ‘Prototype’ gimmick. John Cena shared a rare match during his early days as The Prototype on Tiktok. He recalled how his costume was so tight and somehow lasted throughout the match.
Reflection can be a valuable tool in the now and for the future. Head to @tiktok_us to catch a quick glimpse of a young prototype wearing X-rated underwear 😳 pic.twitter.com/x2svghUTdN
— John Cena (@JohnCena) November 17, 2023
John Cena stated, “I got them in a place that makes outfits for exotic dancers. And they were very thin and not quite durable. And boy, am I happy they lasted through this contest?” He further stated how his performance was setting the bar for improvement. “What I’m doing here is setting the bar for improvement. My confidence is not outshined by my fatigue,” said Cena.
John ultimately won the match with a Sidewalk Slam which would turn out to be one of the ‘Five moves of Doom’. The Cenation Leader was seen as having a shocking personality throughout his Prototype Character and was truly focused on being the next big thing.
Why did John Cena leave his Prototype Gimmick?
John Cena is known to fans for his Never Give Up gimmick and has one of the most decorated careers in WWE. His Prototype Gimmick surely wasn’t the one that would help him grow more. During an interview, Cena stated how his character was so bad and wasn’t the one that would evolve him into a superstar.
A couple pictures I took of the Prototype, John Cena, in UPW. pic.twitter.com/35vJTre6Ri
— cozy superkick ♻️ (@cozysuperkick) June 28, 2022
John Cena stated, “You have to create a personality for yourself and invest in that personality and hope people get it. And my character was The Prototype. Half man, half machine, and a 100% f*cking rotten. It was so bad”.
Despite having a failed run as the Prototype, John Cena made his WWE debut and achieved everyone’s appreciation. He transitioned himself into the Doctor of Thuganomics, which helped him elevate into the main event phase. During his run, Cena turned into a complete legend and is regarded as one of the best.