Why Does John Cena Lack Offense in His Matches?

When it comes to professional wrestling, John Cena is often compared to his legendary predecessor, Hulk Hogan. Both wrestlers are adored by young audiences but are booed by more mature wrestling fans. This transformation is largely due to the storytelling nature of modern wrestling. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind John Cena's minimal offensive approach in the ring and why this style might be both a blessing and a curse for the public and wrestling fans alike.

The Evolution of WWE Wrestling

Professional wrestling can generally be categorized into three distinct styles: high action/high flying, technical (or old-school), and story-telling. Each style caters to different audiences and has its own unique charm. Examples of each type include:

High action/high flying: Matches like those between Prince Puma (Ricochet) and Will Osprey.

Technical/old-school: Matches such as Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit.

Story-telling: Matches between_destroyed content_ and Omega, or Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25.

During Hulk Hogan's era, ___ inserts text ___: he was the face of the show, embodying the classic villain-good guy dynamic. Hogan’s matches often featured him receiving beatings before ultimately gaining the upper hand and winning with the support of the crowd. This narrative was incredibly popular, and it significantly boosted the popularity of wrestling at the time.

John Cena: The Modern Face of WWE

WWE capitalized on John Cena's immense popularity among children by positioning him as a modern-day Hogan. As a face, Cena is expected to take the hits, receive punishment, and ultimately triumph through the support of the crowd. This storyline is a hallmark of story-telling wrestling. For instance, during his matches, Cena often enacts a series of classic moves like a knuckle shuffle or an attitude adjustment to rally and overpower the opponent.

While this style has proven to be a winning formula for Cena, it has also elicited criticism for lacking the traditional forms of in-ring brutality. Cena's matches, particularly since transitioning from his doctor of thugonomics gimmick, have seen minimal offensive action, especially in comparison to other faces like The Undertaker or Shawn Michaels. This approach has become so prevalent that it sometimes feels as though it has become his sole signature move, rather than a dynamic element in the ring.

The Criticism and Praise for John Cena's Style

Some critics argue that John Cena's style of wrestling is too genteel and less exciting than the old-school approach. They believe that pro-wrestling should be more realistic and gritty, involving more aggressive and hardcore elements. However, Cena's approach is not completely without merit. It provides a sense of fairness and integrity, as his matches often maintain a degree of believability and sportsmanship. As a result, many wrestling fans continue to regard him as a top-tier wrestler.

Supporters of Cena's style argue that it is more narrative-driven, allowing the story to play out with the audience on the edge of their seats. His matches often have a psychological aspect, where the underdog must dig deep to lose and then triumph, creating a compelling storyline rather than relying on physical violence.

Conclusion

John Cena's minimal offensive style in his matches is a product of his role as the face of WWE, a position he has held for many years. While this style of wrestling might not appeal to those who prefer more hardcore and aggressive matches, it has become a defining trait of his career. Whether this approach continues to be successful in the future will depend on how fans and the industry evolve their preferences for professional wrestling. For now, Cena remains a beloved figure in the world of wrestling, bringing a level of storytelling and entertainment that has captivated audiences for decades.