5 stars who should become AEW's version of John Cena

#4. AEW wrestler who names Cena as a major influence, Preston Vance

AEW young star Preston Vance is better known as "10" of the Dark Order, one of the most popular factions in the company. He is a powerhouse in the ring with an impressive physique who sports all-American good looks beyond his signature mask. Preston ‘Number 10’ Vance can now instantly be recognized by his signature mask.

Vance, who previously signed with NXT, revealed that he had never wrestled under a mask before joining AEW. The 29-year-old explained in an interview with Dynamite Download that this is why he hated wearing it in the promotion. He also claimed that he didn’t understand his character at first, but now absolutely loves this part of his persona:

“When I got signed, I hated the mask, absolutely hated it. I didn’t understand the character, but I wasn’t going to say no, obviously. I didn’t understand. On the Indies, I never wore a mask; I wasn’t this dark creepy person... Whether you’re a heel or babyface, you’re either a real life super hero or a real life villain. It’s really cool.”

Speaking of heroes, Vance considers John Cena the biggest influence in his pro wrestling career. As a recent podcast guest on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, AEW star Preston Vance talked about who had the greatest impact on his wrestling career. The member of the Dark Order cites John Cena as his biggest inspiration due to the open-mindedness and love from the fans towards Cena. The AEW wrestler also admires what Cena does outside the ring:

"I'm a huge fan and I always have been and it's not even so much about like what he does in the ring. It's all the cool stuff he does outside of the ring. I think he has like the most Make-A-Wishes... When I started training, I remember one of my trainers told me, he's like, 'The stuff you do inside the ring is about 5% of the business. Now I understand that." said Preston Vance (H/T - Fightful)"

While Vance might idolize John Cena, it remains to be seen whether he can eventually become AEW's version of the superstar. He hasn't had the chance to prove himself on the mic or as a singles wrestler but he already has the physical attributes to start with. There will be opportunities in AEW and it's up to the Dark Order member to to take it. If nothing else, Vance does share one more thing in common with Cena. The former WWE champion also sported a luchador mask as well at for a brief point in his career as "Juan Cena".