John Cena Reveals How One First Match Turned Him from Underdog to Icon

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News (1 / 1) 17.05.2026 15:10 / Simo

John Cena says a single night in June 2002 shifted the course of his life: his SmackDown debut answering Kurt Angle's open challenge and stepping in as the hungry newcomer with a bold persona. Read on to discover the full story!

A debut that mattered

The 49-year-old recalls that first televised matchup in Chicago as the landmark moment. Though he ultimately lost to Kurt Angle, Cena views that entrance and acceptance of the open challenge as the opening sentence of his career — the moment he had to prove he was more than a one-trick act.

From skeptic to respected

Signed to WWE in 2001 at 24, Cena says he fought critics by taking “one opponent at a time,” working with stars like Triple H and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania and delivering long, demanding matches abroad that earned respect.