10 current WWE Superstars and what happened on their WWE debut (Part 2)

#5 John Cena (2002)

The 2018 John Cena is a lot different to the 2002 John Cena!

One of the most memorable debuts in WWE history took place on a June 2002 episode of SmackDown when Kurt Angle’s open challenge was answered by a 25-year-old John Cena.

When Angle asked the rookie to tell him one quality he possesses that makes him think he can hang with the best in the business, Cena simply stated “ruthless aggression” before slapping his cocky opponent in the face.

The future 16-time world champion was instantly a fan favourite in the eyes of the electric Chicago crowd, but Angle was able to avoid an upset and get the win with a unique pinfall technique.

Later in the show, Cena was congratulated on his performance by Rikishi, Billy Kidman, Farooq and, most famously, The Undertaker.