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| WWE superstar Hulk Hogan |
If you are a long time wrestling fan like I am, you've heard the question asked; Who is the next Hulk Hogan? Many wrestlers have come along and been crowned the next WWE golden boy. But none of them, not Austin, Rock or Brock Lesnar, were able to carry the company long term. But I think we have found our answer. And whether you like it or not, John Cena is the next Hulk Hogan.
Right now, John Cena is the face of World Wrestling Entertainment. He is not only the most popular guy in the business, but he is also recognizable and marketable outside wrestling. Unlike other men who have tried to satisfy the role of Hulk Hogan, their marketability was limited to sports entertainment. But Cena has proved that he is likable and certified by the masses. This includes people who are not enthusiasts of the sport. John Cena has appeared on several main stream media shows including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "The Apprentice" and the "Teen Choice Awards". Cena also starred in two WWE produced films. His name and likeness are recognizable outside WWE Universe, much like Hulk Hogan.
In the ring, John Cena has become the focal point of the weekly television show and pay per views. He has persevered and gets a consistent fan reaction from live crowd, in comparison to other wrestlers who have hot and cold arenas. Although Cena's reaction is mixed and rarely uniformly positive, the thousands of fans are responding to him. And that is what counts. Much like Hogan in the 80s, John Cena has also become a merchandise machine. His goods are seen regularly throughout the arena and tops the WWE top seller list. In addition, the last several years John Cena has become synonymous with Wrestlemania. It is the ultimate indication that Vince McMahon is entrusting his company in your popularity and longevity.Wrestling fans will argue that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock were the "next Hulk Hogan". But neither man can be considered the "next Hulk Hogan" because Hogan was still wrestling while the two had full time wrestling careers. Now that Hulk Hogan can never wrestle again due to numerous back surgeries, the time is ripe to name a successor. Mark my words, in ten years, people will not remember Hulk Hogan and they shall only know the name John Cena.
