“I’m Glad He Disappointed Me”: WWE Legend Didn’t See John Cena As a Big Star During His Early Days

When it comes to WWE superstars, no one is as famous as John Cena. The man, the myth, the legend, has created an aura around himself that very few can replicate. With millions of fans erupting the moment his music hits, you’d think he was born to be a star. However, one legendary WWE icon didn’t believe Cena had it in him to be a star.

This is no ordinary legend of the WWE. The man has dedicated his life to the business and worked in multiple roles. Even at 69, he’s still signed on with the WWE.

Ted DiBiase did not see anything special in John Cena

The Million Dollar Man needs no introduction. The legend of pro wrestling has been around since 1979. From becoming the first North American Heavyweight Champion to being Hulk Hogan’s first Madison Square Garden opponent. Ted DiBiase is still signed on with the WWE and runs a podcast, Everybody’s Got A Pod.

On Episode 23: Joining WWE Creative, DiBiase talked about his early career in the WWE as part of the creative team. Marcus, his co-host, asked him about wrestlers like John Cena when they first appeared in the WWE.

He began by saying, “John Cena, you know, is a great guy. But it’s kinda like, I didn’t see what other people saw in him.” DiBiase explained that when Cena joined OVW, he had no hopes for him becoming a big star in the WWE.

DiBiase said, “I didn’t look at John Cena when they first pushed him as ‘This guy’s gonna be huge.’ I just didn’t see that. But I’m glad he disappointed me.” This was his confession that he overlooked what Cena would become. He admitted to his co-host that Cena is one of WWE’s most popular and well-known wrestlers. But, the road till here wasn’t easy for Cena.

John Cena’s initial struggles in the WWE

Cena debuted in the WWE in 2002 and went up against then-established wrestler Kurt Angle. Cena was unhappy despite getting pushed to face off against one of the top guys in the business. In a 2021 interview, Cena said, “The toughest thing for anyone in entertainment is to somehow find a way to captivate an audience.” Cena admitted that he was uncomfortable with his initial run as The Prototype.

READ MORE: “It Was Crazy” – John Cena Once Revealed How a Dead-End Job of Working “A Tons of Hours” Turned Around His Fortunes Towards Global Fame

In a March 2003 episode of SmackDown, Cena debuted his Doctor of Thuganomics gimmick, which would go over with the fans. This would be his first chance at acceptance by the WWE Universe. When recounting the creation of the gimmick, Cena said, “It really gave me a chance to invest in costuming, mannerisms, delivery, personality.” This would be the last personality before we saw the final form, which would become John Cena.

What do you think about DiBiase’s thoughts on John Cena during his first year? Would you have felt the same?

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