15 years after his debut, PWP Nation’s Caden “CJ” Moran writes a personal open letter to one of the true icons of professional wrestling, John Cena!
Dear John Cena,
It has officially been 15 years since a young and promising rookie made his way onto WWE television. Filled with ambition and potential, that young and promising rookie immediately made his mark as he stood up and took on a professional wrestling legend, Kurt Angle. Though the young and promising rookie ended up losing, he still earned the WWE Universe and the WWE locker room’s respect, including arguably the greatest WWE superstar of all time, The Undertaker.
Fast forward 15 years later, that young and promising rookie is no longer a rookie, or young for that matter. But, he fulfilled the promise that we all saw in him as he is now a sixteen time WWE World Champion, tied with the legendary Ric Flair for the most world title reigns, a two time Royal Rumble match winner, a former Mr. Money In The Bank winner and a stand up guy outside of the ring as well. That young and promising rookie was you, John Cena.
For fifteen years John, you have stood on top of WWE as the “franchise player” and considering your career statistics and outside ventures, there is no debate that for the last decade, you have been THE guy for WWE. To have done the things you have in your career and to not forget where you came from even with your new career track in Hollywood, goes to show just how iconic you really are. But John, if you are reading this then you are probably asking yourself one question: Why am I writing this? And the answer is simple. I am currently writing you this open letter to show my appreciation to you and what you have done for wrestling, both inside and outside of the ring.
I still remember the first match I ever watched of yours, John. It was WrestleMania 25 in my home state of Houston, Texas and you were in a triple threat match with Edge and Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship. A few of my classmates demanded that I watch the show and to watch you in particular and I’m glad that I did because John, what I saw in that ring on the biggest stage in sports entertainment was simple iconic. From the phenomenal entrance with the other “John Cenas,” to the love and heart showed throughout the match, I instantly felt what professional wrestling is all about: passion and respect.
It was you, John, who reeled me into the professional wrestling community. It was you who showed me an entire new world that I had no idea existed and for that, John, I appreciate you. For all the entertainment you have given the fans, I appreciate you. And for the endless love and passion you have showed inside of that ring night in and night out, I appreciate you. But John it does not end there. You are more than just a professional wrestler. You are a hero. You have inspired so many people to go out every single day and try to be like you. But, there is something that makes you a hero that is placed above the rest. Even as busy a man that you are, you still find the time to make kids dreams come true.
500. That is a number that means more than the 16 world titles you have won. For years John, you have made sick children’s dreams come true with the Make-A-Wish foundation and to this day, you have granted over 500 wishes through the foundation and that alone. Not only that, but you have closed WWE shows and interrupted matches by giving notice and recognition to young fans who look up to you and see you as the hero that you are and for that, John, you are not just iconic or a hero. You are larger than life.
I look at you John and I see the ideal and model WWE superstar. Scratch that. When I look at you I see the ideal and model human being. You are someone who works his ass off every single day whether it be in the ring, in the gym, or on screen. You are someone who makes children’s wishes come true. You are someone who always gives back and never forgets where you came from. You sir, are just one and simple word. You, John Cena, are an icon.
As it has been 15 years since you stepped foot into the WWE and changed the landscape, the question remains: How long do you have left? Only you know that answer but John, just know this. When you do decide to hang up the sneakers and jean shorts, just remember that you have changed the lives of many wrestling fans, including myself, and we will forever appreciate you and what you have done. So, to end this letter, I just want to say one last thing. Thank you, John. Thank you for everything you have given us and for everything you have yet to give us.
Sincerely, an appreciative wrestling fan.
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