WWE: How John Cena Turned the Tide of Popular Opinion

These days, there's no competition between the "Let's Go Cena!" and the "Cena Sucks!" chants.

Granted, the former are higher-pitched and perhaps more youth- and female-orientated sounds that are likely to carry further in the big arenas, but nevertheless, the Cenation continues to come out in force every Monday to show their love for their guy.

But it hasn't always been like this.

Cena's personal nadir had perhaps come the night after WrestleMania—beaten by The Rock, and then dumped on his back by a returning Brock Lesnar, his shiny green cap kicked to the ropes whilst the crowd celebrated like it was 1999.

But credit must be given where credit is due, and the WWE creative team should be praised for subsequently turning the tide of popular opinion, even if their methods were somewhat transparent.

The week after WM, Lesnar emerged to show his loyalty to No. 1 villain John Laurinaitis, whilst Cena came out only to brawl, getting his lip legitimately split open in the process.

After heroically defeating Lesnar at Extreme Rules, Cena fought Laurinaitis, who himself was turned into a character so annoying that it came as an almighty relief when Cena finally disposed of him at No Way Out (although one feels like his villainous nature was ratcheted up a few notches just to put Cena over).

However, it must be acknowledged that, in taking CM Punk's place in the war on authority, Cena's fight with Big Johnny became one of the biggest farces in pay-per-view history.

Cena has also fought Big Show, whose heel turn was as sudden as it was nonsensical (two main events nobody even wanted in the first place).

But the biggest test for Cena will come later in the year when he will inevitably renew his rivalry with another face, CM Punk.

Even a potential matchup with Chris Jericho will again test the waters of his popularity.

Since WrestleMania and the Once in a Lifetime faceoff, Cena has been booked in mostly safe matches—with villains like David Otunga and Tensai (the man formerly known as Lord Tensai) as well as Show and Laurinaitis—to ensure the "Lets Go Cena!" chants continue to outnumber the "Cena Sucks!" ones.

Because, whether we like it or not, a 13th title reign beckons for John Cena in 2012.

Whether or not we'll keep cheering is another matter.

What do you think? Sound off with your thoughts below.