In the glamorous corridors of Hollywood where wrestling stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dave Bautista have carved their niche, John Cena’s name shines brightly. Known for his charismatic presence in the wrestling world and memorable roles in blockbuster movies like “The Suicide Squad” and “F9,” Cena’s journey from WWE to the silver screen is a testament to his versatile talent and hard work. However, before the fame and the viral ‘You Can’t See Me’ meme, there was a phase in Cena’s career that many, including Cena himself, would rather forget.
John Cena as ‘The Prototype’: A Half-Man, Half-Machine Misfire
In the early days of his career, before becoming the face that runs the place in WWE, John Cena experimented with a character known as ‘The Prototype.’ This persona was a stark departure from the typical wrestling gimmicks of the time, depicting Cena as a cyborg, a fusion of man and machine, which he described as “half-man, half-machine, and 100% cr*p.” This attempt to stand out with a Terminator-style gimmick was met with little enthusiasm from fans and critics alike.
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Cena candidly discussed the challenges of finding the right persona in wrestling, emphasizing the trial and error involved. “It was awful,” Cena admitted. “Yeah, so you want to try to find a persona or…a gimmick, where it describes you as a character so like when you walk out people notice you…It’s a trial and error process with a lot of errors and my first try was The Prototype.”
Despite the underwhelming response, Cena’s stint as The Prototype was crucial in his evolution as a performer. It was a stepping stone that ultimately led him to adopt the ‘Doctor of Thugonomics’ persona, and later, the charismatic leader who would become a staple in WWE programming.
Matthew McConaughey’s Surprising Endorsement
While the audience and fellow guests on The Graham Norton Show laughed off Cena’s early career misstep, Matthew McConaughey, another guest on the show, saw something different. Known for his eclectic roles and charismatic screen presence, McConaughey’s unexpected approval of The Prototype highlighted a unique perspective. “The actor revealed that the way he would perform The Prototype was by using a monotonous and authoritative tone (like a robot). He also said that he would sometimes make a statement, make a rewind sound, and then say it back as a gimmick for his half-machine part of the persona,” Cena explained.
McConaughey’s nod to Cena’s failed gimmick underscores an important aspect of entertainment—sometimes, the most unexpected elements can resonate, depending on the audience. This moment between the two stars serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of performance and the unpredictable tastes of audiences.
The Legacy of Cena’s Experimentation
John Cena’s journey through different personas, particularly his early days as The Prototype, illustrates the unpredictable and often challenging path to stardom. His ability to rebound from this less favorable chapter and redefine himself both in and out of the wrestling ring is a compelling story of resilience and adaptability. As Cena continues to make his mark in Hollywood, his wrestling days, including the ill-fated Prototype, remain a critical part of his legacy, reminding fans and critics alike of the importance of perseverance and the willingness to embrace change.