John Cena: WWE Star's Struggles at SummerSlam Will Improve His Character

John Cena's struggles at SummerSlam 2012 will improve his character moving forward.

Cena came up short against WWE Champion CM Punk in a Triple Threat title match that featured Big Show on Sunday night in Los Angeles.

He was forced to answer the tough questions following the defeat.

Cena didn't have an answer when asked if Punk was "the best in the world," which means that Cena clearly won't concede, regardless of how unlucky he is against the champion.

Obviously, Cena was on the wrong end of some bad breaks at SummerSlam. But his recent struggles with Punk, who turned heel on Raw 1,000, have made him a stronger character in my view.

It's not the fact that Cena isn't winning that improves his character; it is his response to the failure and his realistic reaction to it.

Cena has always been one to take responsibility for his shortcomings inside the ring. But when we hear him acknowledge that luck was on Punk's side, or when his confidence seems shaken, we sense that a much deeper character exists.

Only a shallow one could eat, sleep and breathe hustle, loyalty and respect. It takes a real person to actually feel cheated or to lack confidence and show moments of weakness.

Cena's struggles have brought about a much improved character, that's for sure.

He will always be the model champion and the good guy of the WWE, no matter how long he sticks around. But it's good to know that there's something underneath the muscles to get excited about and feel sorry for after nights like SummerSlam.

SummerSlam 2012 gave us some entertaining matches and plenty of memories, but it also showed us a more realistic side of Cena—one that will improve his character over time. 

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