6 WWE Superstars who lost popularity after becoming World Champion

#4. John Cena - 2005

John Cena's career reached a new level in 2005

John Cena is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing Superstars in WWE history. While there have been many instances of the 16-time World Champion being booed out of the building, the reality is that the 'polarizing' status didn't just apply to the fans present in the arena.

It applied to the millions watching across the world - particularly children who grew up idolizing the biggest babyface in the company.

He held the fort for a decade-and-a-half before transitioning into a well-deserved part-time status. No Superstar in the last 30 years has had a run on the top for a decade the way Cena has, including the likes of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin and The Rock. However, it's easy to forget that it was 2005 where the 'polarizing' status would creep up on John Cena.

In the summer of that year, the famous "Let's go, Cena! Cena sucks" chants emerged and it would become one of the defining parts of his career. He had lost popularity rapidly after becoming WWE Champion, but his merchandise sales and impact outside of WWE led to Vince McMahon canceling a planned heel turn during the peak of his run.