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John Cena, a prominent figure in WWE, has faced criticism from a section of fans who believed he consistently won matches without giving other wrestlers a chance to shine. This perception led to accusations that Cena actively buried talent, particularly emerging superstars who could have benefitted from defeating him. In a recent interview on Busted Open Radio, Cena addressed these accusations, discussing his commitment to his craft and his efforts to help elevate other wrestlers. While questionable booking decisions were made during his career, it's important to note that Cena wasn't always in control of those decisions.
Addressing Burial Allegations
During his appearance on Busted Open Radio, John Cena acknowledged the reputation he had acquired within the industry for burying talent. He explained that his deep investment in wrestling led him to spend extensive amounts of time working with fellow wrestlers to develop their stories and matches. However, Cena noted that after these individuals had their encounters with him, they failed to carry that same energy forward. Nonetheless, Cena remained committed to assisting the next generation of stars, mentioning Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn as examples of wrestlers he dedicated time to, sharing ideas and striving to present their best performances.
Understanding the Booking Dynamics
While some critics attribute questionable booking decisions to Cena, it's essential to recognize that the ultimate authority in such matters rested with Vince McMahon, the head of WWE. McMahon was responsible for positioning Cena as the company's top star and ensuring that no one else reached his level of prominence. One instance that exemplified McMahon's desire to push Cena at the expense of others was the SummerSlam 2010 match where Cena's team triumphed over the Nexus faction, consisting of promising newcomers Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett. Although Barrett and Gabriel achieved some success in WWE, defeating Cena at that event could have potentially propelled their careers to even greater heights.
Cena's Contributions and Losses
Throughout his career, John Cena has demonstrated a willingness to put other wrestlers over. Despite being a 16-time world champion, he has experienced memorable losses to various competitors who needed those victories for their own progression. Cena's defeat to Austin Theory at WrestleMania and losses against the likes of Kevin Owens, CM Punk, AJ Styles, and Daniel Bryan stand as evidence of his commitment to elevating fellow talents. It's worth mentioning that Triple H's involvement in WWE creative has allowed wrestlers more freedom in shaping their feuds and contributing to their promos, enhancing the overall quality of storytelling.
Recent Roster Updates and Tag Team Division
Following the 2023 draft, WWE underwent significant changes in its roster composition. A leaked depth chart for the tag team division reveals Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn as the top male babyface duo on Raw, with several other notable teams, such as the New Day and Alpha Academy, following closely behind. On SmackDown, the Brawling Brutes, Latino World Order, Street Profits, and The O.C. occupy the top positions as babyface teams, while the Usos, Pretty Deadly, and Hit Row lead the heel groups. Owens and Zayn currently hold the tag team championships and are set to defend them against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions.
John Cena's WWE career has been marred by accusations of burying talent, but his recent comments shed light on his commitment to helping fellow wrestlers succeed. While questionable booking decisions occurred during his time in WWE, it's crucial to recognize the role of Vince McMahon in shaping Cena's position. Furthermore, Cena's willingness to put others over and his dedication to the craft demonstrate his contributions to the wrestling industry. As WWE's roster undergoes changes and tag team divisions evolve, Owens and Zayn's current reign as tag champions adds excitement to upcoming events.
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