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John Cena: Why His Superman Gimmick Has to End in the WWE

Sebastian Maldonado@https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSUX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJanuary 21, 2013

Feb 25, 2012; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; Professional wrestler and actor John Cena walks down pit road during the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.  Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

John Cena’s Superman gimmick has to end now!

Ever since the WWE gave Cena his first WWE Title, he made a transition from the Doctor of Thugganomics to his current Superman gimmick. It officially started when the WWE changed their TV rating from TV-14 to TV-PG.

Cena has the ability to kick out of any finisher, no matter if it’s from an opponent or from those helping his opponent. He then hits the Attitude Adjustment for the three count. Whenever Cena loses, he doesn’t get mad, he just shrugs it off. It’s been the same story for years, thus turning Cena’s character stale.

A perfect example is the TLC pay-per-view. His ladder match against Dolph Ziggler ended when A.J. cost Cena the match by pushing him off the ladder. Ziggler hit the super kick and retrieved the briefcase. The night ended with Cena smiling.

Go figure, that’s how it ended? Cena SMILING?

AJ, his girl for weeks, betrayed him. How does he react, after that, he smiles? Shouldn’t he be a little mad that he got screwed out of his match?

This isn’t the first time he’s reacted that way. In fact, can anyone remember the last time Cena was angry after a loss? If memory serves me right, the last time he was angry was during his feud with the Nexus, which happened three years ago.

Last year, we saw glimmers of change during his feuds with The Rock and Brock Lesnar. After those feuds wrapped up, Cena resumed his Superman duties.

The Superman gimmick is hackneyed and needs to be put to rest. Cena needs a character change. It’s way overdue.

Cena doesn’t have to turn heel. Let’s face it, he’s still the biggest draw today for the mainstream WWE audience. The WWE Superstar doesn’t need a complete overhaul. At this point in his career, Cena’s drawing power is still strong.

A slight transition would be nice. Maybe a better storyline can draw him out of his Superman gimmick or the feud with Ziggler might eventually end it. If he keeps this persona up, that same target audience will lose interest as well.

Think about the Hulk Hogan turn at WCW. Hogan turned at the right time after becoming the flagship wrestler in the 80s. He formed the NWO, and the rest was history. Hogan reinvented himself and thrived under his heel role.

Cena needs to reinvent himself. Don’t expect him to turn heel, though. As long as his merchandise sells, he’ll still be a face. However, you can still tweak the character while wrestling as the good guy.

The writing’s on the wall. John Cena’s Superman gimmick needs to end, and the time is now!