John Cena Helped His Legacy With WrestleMania 34 Loss

After last night's WrestleMania, it is evident John Cena should go down in history as one of the most respected and giving WWE Superstars of all time. In a match that was completely selfless, Cena swallowed his pride and put over The Undertaker in an ultimate showing of respect, allowing a return of The Deadman to WWE all while creating a storied image that fans can take with them as The Undertaker likely leaves wrestling forever.

After weeks of Cena trashing Taker’s reputation, The Phenom returned and defeated Cena in a squash that lasted only a few minutes. Cena cemented The Undertaker’s comeback and gave him back his status as one of the most beloved WWE Superstars of all time. That was a lot to ask (no one likely had to ask) out of a man who didn't have to do any of those things.

There are many in the WWE Universe who do not respect John Cena for how successful he's been. They argue his gimmick is boring and outdated. But, if there is anything to take from WrestleMania 34, it is that Cena is willing to shamelessly put over someone else on the biggest stage of them all.

The Undertaker Needed This

Thanks to age and some terrible decision-making by WWE, The Undertaker was not what he once was. No longer the holder of “The Streak”, he had poor showings at recent WrestleManias and was at risk of leaving with the image of a struggling Phenom in the forefront of people’s minds. The only way to remove that image was to put him in a match where he could dominate. And, it couldn’t be against just anyone. It had to be against a star that should have put up a bigger challenge, maybe even won. Cena likely ran to the front of the line to help.

Would there have been another name in WWE that could have done what Cena did and made it believeable? Probably not. This was Cena giving The Undertaker a chance at redemption and it was going to come at Cena’s expense.

A Gamble By Cena That Might Not Pay Off

If we step back and take a look at where this puts Cena now we can quickly surmise that he may have thrown away his chance at the record-breaking 17th reign as Heavyweight Champion. Sure, there is always a chance WWE, out of respect, gives him the belt one last time but Cena is gone more and more and being taken less seriously as a rightful contender every day.

The present is when Cena was likely best to cash in and break the record. By basically painting the picture that he’s no longer got what it takes, only an underdog storyline will earn him the title now and will anyone actually see him that way?

Cena must be aware that after being on top for so long, fans might not buy that he'd be a surprise winner somewhere down the line; assuming there was a down the line with his movie career skyrocketing the way it is.

He’s Still The Man

It may be Roman’s yard or the Yes! movement may be in full effect but Cena is "The Face that Runs the Place" and has been for some time. Regardless of your opinions of his character or approach, you simply can’t deny what he’s accomplished.

He’s been the most popular WWE Superstar in the company for over a decade and his championships are well deserved. He's given back to the company by helping put over other stars on the rise and his legacy means a lot. Basically, there are two ways of viewing what happened on Sunday at WrestleMania 34.

You can either say Cena did the right thing and tarnished his legacy by losing in such grand and dramatic fashion. Or, you can suggest he added to his legacy by graciously letting The Undertaker have his moment in the sun and walk away from the industry he loves with his head held high.

And while this next statement might open a can of worms and give an opening to those who have always called Cena selfish, it might not even by a stretch to say Cena did himself a huge favour by being this guy at this time on this stage. There's absolutely nothing wrong with benefitting from doing the right thing.