John Cena's Recent Aggressive Behavior Must Become Permanent Character Trait

During the build to the WWE Fastlane match against Rusev for the United States Championship on Sunday, John Cena has reverted back into a more aggressive character who has shown ruthless aggression—just as he did earlier in his career.

For Cena to remain the top star in the company, he must make this aggressiveness become a permanent character trait.

There is a very vocal portion of the WWE Universe that has grown tired of Cena’s childish antics and jokes. He has the ability on the mic to cut great promos and has shown an edge in the past, but the company’s desire to market toward children has handcuffed Cena.

As seen from Cena’s brutal attack on Rusev during the go-home episode of Raw, the WWE Universe will get behind the 15-time world champion when he shows the fire that made him a top draw in the first place.

Many fans want to like Cena, but his character and promos are not geared toward adults.

Cena can still be a fan favorite to the children with his colorful shirts and positive attitude, but he needs to show his aggressive side more often. Not only would the character change satisfy the older fans, but it would also add to Cena’s cachet as the tough guy fighting for the WWE Universe.

As one of the biggest contributors to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and many other charities and events, Cena is the ultimate babyface outside the ring, and he should never be asked to change what he does for the community.

With that said, there is no reason he can’t shift into a different gear when he hits the ring.

Just as some players in the NFL contribute to the community and then become a different person once they hit the field, Cena can amplify his intensity in the ring and still be the kindhearted Superstar everyone knows he really is behind the scenes.

The character shift would be justified as well. The battle between Rusev and Cena started in lackluster fashion, but the intensity and aggressiveness shown by both men in this battle have really allowed the WWE Universe to have a vested interest in the outcome.

The storyline against Rusev proved that Cena can be a more aggressive character while remaining fan-friendly.

He should still cut out more of the tacky jokes and focus more on being serious when it comes to squaring off against top heels in the company, but what we’ve seen in recent weeks is a good start.

One aspect of the Fastlane feud that is not being talked about enough is the chatter about Cena’s age and his career winding down. There is still likely plenty of fuel left in his tank, but Cena will turn 38 years old in April.

Shifting to a more aggressive style now will show character development. Cena has always been about overcoming the odds, and WWE would be smart to start using his age as a way to put him behind the eight ball more often.

By taking the action in the ring and on the mic more seriously, the hardcore wrestling fans would begin to support Cena’s character again and the rest of the WWE Universe would believe he has revitalized his career.

Even after the feud with Rusev is over, Cena’s newfound edge should remain a permanent character trait.

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