Adjusting Lesnar's Attitude
In 2003, John Cena entered into his first major high-profile feud, against WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, who had quickly become pro wrestling's "next big thing" on Smackdown. Not to be outdone, the bold up-and-comer stepped up to the plate and challenged the "beast incarnate", winning a tournament to face him in Cena's first ever PPV co-main event match.
During their feud, which really brought John Cena into the limelight, he debuted a new finishing maneuver: the FU – a play off Lesnar's now famous F5. The simple Fireman's Carry slam became Cena's most iconic move. He now had the gimmick, the popularity, and the finisher; all the pieces were falling into place.
