Cena vs. Hogan

[TheChamp]

Does anyone realize that John Cena has main-evented the past 6 WrestleManias (this year being #7), with an astonishing record of 5-1. Not to mention, before that at WrestleMania 20, he defeated the Big Show for the United States championship, making his overall record 6-1 (all title matches). Hulk Hogan, the man who revolutionized the wrestling business, main-evented the first 9 WrestleManias (6 WWF title matches, a record of 5-1, and overall record of 8-1). With the exception of the Undertaker, no one, not even Triple H, has had anywhere near the WrestleMania success as these two (while he has main-evented 8 WrestleManias, he only has a 4-4 record).


I know that they reigned in different eras, but is John Cena worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Hulk Hogan? Is he THAT big a star in wrestling, or did the times decide his fate?

[Jordan]

Does anyone realize that John Cena has main-evented the past 6 WrestleManias (this year being #7), with an astonishing record of 5-1. Not to mention, before that at WrestleMania 20, he defeated the Big Show for the United States championship, making his overall record 6-1 (all title matches). Hulk Hogan, the man who revolutionized the wrestling business, main-evented the first 9 WrestleManias (6 WWF title matches, a record of 5-1, and overall record of 8-1). With the exception of the Undertaker, no one, not even Triple H, has had anywhere near the WrestleMania success as these two (while he has main-evented 8 WrestleManias, he only has a 4-4 record).


I know that they reigned in different eras, but is John Cena worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Hulk Hogan? Is he THAT big a star in wrestling, or did the times decide his fate?

Thats a good question. For Cena it's the same thing as Hogan, he was a talented youngster and Vince picked him an destined him for the top of the company. The ride for each superstar is different however the outcome is similar. Cena has headlined shows as big as Hogan, he's drawn the same numbers basically and they are very even in a lot of ways. Time will tell however, there is no way to say this early but more than likely Hogan will be regarded as the bigger star.

[Vox Populi]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=paleturquoise]I know that they reigned in different eras, but is John Cena worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Hulk Hogan? Is he THAT big a star in wrestling, or did the times decide his fate?

No, no and no. It really is just that simple.

[screech]

In terms of being the company guy, yes I'd say they're on par.

In terms of name recognition outside of wrestling, Hogan has him beat. Ask just about anyone, even those who know nothing about pro wrestling, who Hulk Hogan is and he or she will know. Cena isn't there yet.

Will he ever get there? Hard to say, but I'd say it's safe to compare the two as far as role in the company goes.

[Damian Rey]

There are a lot of parallels, sure. Both men were just entering their prime upon winning the top title and being thrusted into the main event (Hogan was 30, Cena was 27), both are far and away the face of the company, and have been booked similarly during their main event runs.

Biggest differences are, obviously, Hogan's name recognition and overall contribution to the the business. Also, on a different note, when Hogan got pushed to the moon during his run, he was over as fuck, with everyone. Crowds went apeshit for him.

Cena, on the other hand, started getting mixed and negative reactions early into his run, and it wasn't until the WWE went full PG, with more and more kids filling up the arenas, that the reactions seemed to balance out, IMO.

[XCaliber]

He's about to go 5-2 after this WM hey I can dream can't I? lol

[Jeritron]

Stats are meaningless in wrestling, really

[Damian Rey]

Stats are meaningless in wrestling, really

Yep. The fact that he keeps appearing in the main event is all that matters, really.

[MoFo]

Wrestling & Hogan are synonymous w/ each other. I still think a lot of people wont even know who Cena is, tbh.

Hogan was also a uber-successful heel too, Cena hasn't been a top-level heel yet.

[Mr. JL]

I don't know, unless John Cena was actually the LAST MATCH of WrestleMania... I don't consider him in the main event.

To me, he's only been in two:
1st: vs. HHH
2nd: vs. HBK

[Nicky Fives]

I don't know, unless John Cena was actually the LAST MATCH of WrestleMania... I don't consider him in the main event.

To me, he's only been in two:
1st: vs. HHH
2nd: vs. HBK

I agree

[Damian Rey]

I don't. With the brand split, there's now more than one traditional main event. He doesn't have to close the show to be "main eventing", as Mania now features several main events on one card.

[Rock Bottom]

I mean as far as John Cena vs. Hogan in a kick-out contest or something sure but as far as legacy and all that, time will tell but I really doubt he's anywhere close. Especially given what Hulk did to establish wrestling. It's already there for Cena, he'd have to be completely crazy and awesome.

[seapig4]

Hulk more or less made wrestling as we know it, he is probably known as the most famous wrestler ever. Cena is the top company guy but other than wrestling fans I don't think your average guy on the street knows him. As far as a draw I think Hulk has Cena beat easy. Also I agree that the main event of wrestlemania is the final match.

[Ruien]

On a country radio station they were giving out Smackdown tickets to an Indianapolis show and they asked 2 questions. Who won last years royal rumble and who won the first royal rumble. After 5 calls, no one got the "who won last years royal rumble" (So no one got to take a guess at "who won the first royal rumble". The 5 people said, Hogan, Hogan, Stone Cold, Hogan, John Cena.

[Lara Emily]

Edge and Hackaw Jim Duggan morons.

[Eklipse]

I think a lot of you are underestimating John Cena on name recognition. I know a lot of people who have never ever watched wrestling, yet know who Cena is. I know of kids who don't watch wrestling, yet know exactly who Cena is....same with parents who don't watch it, yet their kids do.

I think that eventually, Cena can be on the same level as Hogan as far as name recognition goes...a lot of you are probably don't see it because you don't like him.