The WWE Character John Cena Wants A Do-Over With

John Cena unofficially became a part of WWE (then WWF) in 2000, and signed a development contract in 2001. He was called up to the main roster alongside Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Bautista in 2002.

His WWE television debut was on the June 27, 2002 episode of SmackDown when he answered an open challenge by Kurt Angle. The Hall of Famer asked the then-25-year-old what made him think he could take on Angle, and John Cena answered with “Ruthless Aggression“, following through with a slap.

John Cena feels he did “nothing” with the Ruthless Aggression persona

The Champ quickly transitioned to the “Doctor of Thuganomics” character by late 2002, and the ‘Ruthless Aggression’ persona was left behind. Nevertheless, it did earn him significant attention from the fans, and enabled him to soar.

At the Philadelphia Fan Expo, The Franchise Player expressed that he wished having done more with ruthless aggression.

The time period I wish I had a do-over for was the ruthless aggression character. I did nothing with it.

Vince McMahon’s vision for the company post-Attitude Era was Ruthless Aggression. The character was hungry and bold, and portrayed a rookie who was trying to stand out. Even though short-lived, the persona helped establish John Cena as a part of the new generation that entered the industry following the departure of The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, among others.

John Cena turned heel at Elimination Chamber by aligning himself with The Rock. Prior to this, he had been babyface throughout his entire WWE career, even earning the Guinness Book of World Record for the longest running babyface in the company before turning heel.