John Cena donned the nickname, The Doctor of Thuganomics, during the early portion of his WWE career.
However, there came a point where the company put in a dress code policy that Cena wasn’t a fan of. This is something he talked about while on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.
“24/7, I was in the rap gimmick. They instituted a dress code in WWE soon after I changed my gimmick and raised my hand, I said, ‘I’m not doing it,’ in front of everyone, in front of my peers. I rebelled against authority, because you guys are gonna kill my character, they’re never gonna believe it. We’re going from city to city to city and we’re traveling with everyone else, we rent cars from everyone else, we go to the hotel with everyone else, we pull up to the arena and there are fans out there. I used to freestyle battle kids in parking lots in front of the arenas.”
John Cena, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, had a unique persona during the early stages of his WWE career. Known as “The Doctor of Thuganomics,” Cena was recognized for his rap gimmick and rebellious attitude. However, his character faced a significant challenge when the company implemented a dress code policy that Cena strongly opposed.
In a recent interview on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Cena opened up about his experience with the dress code policy and how he stood up against it. He revealed that he refused to conform to the new regulations in front of his peers, expressing his concerns about the impact it would have on his character and the audience’s perception of him.
Cena’s decision to rebel against authority was driven by his belief that the dress code would undermine the authenticity of his character. As a professional wrestler constantly on the road, traveling from city to city, Cena felt that he needed to maintain a connection with the fans who supported him. He reminisced about his days battling other aspiring rappers in parking lots outside arenas, highlighting the importance of staying true to his roots.
The dress code policy introduced by WWE aimed to present a more professional image for its wrestlers. It required them to dress in business casual attire when not performing in the ring. While many wrestlers complied with the policy, Cena felt that it would hinder his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. He believed that his rap gimmick required him to maintain an edgier and more relatable image.
Cena’s refusal to adhere to the dress code policy showcased his rebellious nature and determination to protect his character’s integrity. Despite facing potential consequences for his actions, he stood firm in his belief that the dress code would compromise his connection with the fans. This incident highlighted Cena’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to challenge authority when necessary.
Ultimately, Cena’s decision paid off as he continued to thrive in the WWE and became one of the most popular wrestlers of all time. His rap gimmick and rebellious persona resonated with fans, solidifying his status as a fan favorite. Cena’s refusal to conform to the dress code policy demonstrated his dedication to his character and his understanding of the importance of maintaining authenticity in the world of professional wrestling.
In conclusion, John Cena’s refusal to comply with WWE’s dress code policy showcased his rebellious spirit and commitment to his character. By standing up against authority, he protected the authenticity of his persona and maintained a strong connection with his fans. Cena’s decision ultimately contributed to his success and solidified his place as one of the most beloved figures in professional wrestling history.