Hogan, Is That You?
After a successful 2003 that saw the rise of his memorable gimmick, a great heel run and high profile matches against Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker, John Cena was ready for the big time.
His first opportunity came in the 2004 Royal Rumble match, where he made it to the final six participants before being tossed out by United States Champion The Big Show. This kicked off a feud between the two that raged on for several months, and concluded in Cena's WrestleMania debut – a singles match for the United States Championship.
In a match that paralleled Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, John Cena hoisted the 500-pound giant on his shoulders and hit him with the FU, en route to winning his first championship in the WWE.
If this list was a traditional top ten list of Cena's career highlights, I would heavily consider ranking this match at the top. Don't get me wrong, John Cena has faced more important opponents and been involved with some of the biggest moments in pro wrestling history. But you have to consider – without this match, would any of that have happened?
John Cena's victory over the Big Show wasn't just one win. You have to understand the importance of that one win, in the opening contest of the 20th annual WrestleMania, in Madison Square Garden, the most historic arena in the world. As they say in New York, "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." We all know how the Garden crowds are, and always have been – they will make, or break your career. They are 100% real with everyone who comes through that curtain. When John Cena defeated the Big Show to win his first championship, MSG welcomed the Doctor of Thuganomics with open arms and open hearts – that was the moment we knew.
