#5 – John Cena
"What? John Cena? Are you crazy? Why is the 36-year-old John Cena on a list of stars to lead a NEW generation?"
I know it seems strange to be placing a 14-time world champion on the same list with a bunch of young guns looking to make a new for themselves. But look at this way: Hulk Hogan was 30-years-old when he won the WWE Championship for the first time. A title he then held and defended at every major show for four straight years, dropped, and had two more lengthy runs with. Hogan wrestled for Vince McMahon until he was 40-years-old and THEN reinvented his entire career in WCW (an additional six years).
Yeah, it's true that John Cena is a long-time veteran of the industry. He could retire tomorrow – hell he could have retired two years ago – and be considered as one of the best ever. A main event Hall of Famer, eventually. And sure, he's getting up there in age, and he's worked a more physical style than Hogan ever did, but his moveset also brilliantly protects his body. He's had injuries, and I worry those Superman recoveries are eventually going to catch up with him, but all things considered Cena is remarkably healthy, so far as we know.
What I think John, and the wrestling business as a whole, could benefit from is Cena taking some time off. Let the roster grow without him, build some big-name stars in his absence, and give one of the hardest workers alive time to heal up and live his life without a camera in his face 80% of the day. At that point John can decide what if he wants to go out soon, or become another pro wrestling "lifer" ala Hogan, Sting, Flair, etc. My money is on the second option. Regardless of whether he does take any lengthy time away from the ring, WWE will eventually need to freshen up the character. Hogan lasted for a long time, and probably could have played the same character until this very day. It's worth noting that while he did go heel, it wasn't Vince McMahon's company that pulled that trigger. Not the first time anyways.
Regardless of whether John Cena ever goes heel, or if he remains a lifelong babyface, I believe he will play an influential role in the next generation of WWE Superstars. Sorry haters, it's gonna be a long time before Super Cena is off your television for good.
