Pro Wrestling as Theatre Part 1: Hating John Cena and "the Superman Phenomena"

This series of articles is going to be different than those I usually write because they will focus on the idea that wrestling is modern day theatre. Further, they will show how wrestling ties in with everything from comics to ancient Greek drama.

The first focus is on a character who is the most scrutinized and hated in the world of pro wrestling.

John Cena.

It's easy to see why kids love him.  He is the "good guy," and in the minds of children, that means that he should win and will win because that is how the world works.  (He also moves a bunch of merchandise for the WWE, which helps keep him on top as well.)

Just like the adoration of his fans, Cena's appeal as a company asset is simplistic.  He makes money.

The better question is: why do fans, especially males, hate him so much?

The answer to that one isn't as easy.

Part of it is the fact that his character is stale and predictable, but another aspect connects to something else.

Jealousy mixed with the realization that he is nothing like most men.

In other words, he is another Superman.

To understand the hatred John Cena produces, fans need only look to the man of steel.

Superman isn't exactly someone that is relatable.

The man has demigod powers, is good-looking, doesn't seem to need to workout, or if he does, gets great results, is super intelligent and seems to always save the day.

Even in his civilian identity of Clark Kent, he has a wonderful, beautiful wife, a great-paying job that is important as well, and seems to have all the time in the world to enjoy with friends—even with the time spent as Superman.

Sound familiar?

And just like Superman and comic book fans, John Cena faces fans who are a lot different from him.  

When looking at both characters, it's easy to see why they engender such a distasteful reaction in older fans.  They have so many positive things in their lives that even when they face hardships, they will simply be able overcome them.

It's hard to root for someone when you know that they have so many chips stacked in their corner.  It almost seems like you should be rooting for the villain because they are the underdog.

Most of us have to face hardships every day that Cena's character doesn't even begin to broach.  Instead, he has to face giving up a shot at the title after having been a champion multiple times.

It's like reading the different comics where Superman was depressed that he was the only one of his kind—that there wasn't another being like him.

It's hard to feel sorry for someone who has so much going for him and who has been able to excel at a level few ever reach.

As for why kids are immune to this?

Because as children, we aren't told that we are possibly going to lead ordinary lives.  We are told we are special, cute and intelligent.  

As teenagers, we are told that the world is full of different possibilities, all of which we can pursue.  

It's only when we become adults that we are told that we are just a cog in the machine of society.

This isn't to say that such a thing is true, but it colors our thinking as much as wanting three-dimensional characters and stories.

And it makes it hard to support the "infallible hero" such as Cena.

However, as much as Cena may not have a weakness in the ring, he will always deal with adversity outside of it.

It's the closest thing to kryptonite he may ever have.