Top WWE Superstars: Hulk Hogan, CM Punk, John Cena, and Rising Stars
Ever wonder who truly defines WWE across different eras? Let’s break down legends honestly.
Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Icon
Hulk Hogan isn’t just WWE superstar. He’s cultural phenomenon basically. “Hulkamania” dominated 1980s wrestling completely.
Real name Terry Bollea. Started wrestling 1977. Joined WWE 1983. Became biggest draw practically overnight.
Hogan’s appeal transcended wrestling. Movies, TV shows, commercials. Crossed over mainstream like nobody before honestly.
Signature moves? Leg drop finisher. Big boot. Hulking up routine. Simple stuff but crowds went nuts.
Controversies plagued later career. Scandals, lawsuits, ugly remarks. Tarnished legacy. But impact? Undeniable totally.
WWE Legends Comparison:
Wrestler
Era
Championships
Impact
Finisher
Hulk Hogan
1980s-90s
6 WWE titles
Mainstream icon
Leg drop
John Cena
2000s-10s
16 world titles
Make-A-Wish hero
AA
CM Punk
2000s-10s
5 world titles
Anti-establishment
GTS
Cody Rhodes
2010s-20s
Multiple titles
American Nightmare
Cross Rhodes

Hogan’s matches weren’t technical. Entertainment though? Off charts. Worked crowd better than anyone.
Wrestlemania III versus Andre remains iconic. Bodyslam heard round world. Over 93,000 fans allegedly.
John Cena: The Face
John Cena dominated 2000s-2010s completely. 16-time champ tying Flair’s record. Polarizing but successful.
Started as rapper. “Thuganomics” gimmick got over huge. Evolution into superhero divided fans though.
Kids loved Cena. Adults booed relentlessly. “Let’s go Cena / Cena sucks” chants became tradition.
Make-A-Wish work defines Cena outside ring. Granted over 650 wishes. More than anyone. Good dude apparently.
Five Moves of Doom became meme. Predictable offense frustrated hardcore fans. But kids ate it up.
Never give up mentality resonated mainstream. Brand ambassador basically. Transitioned Hollywood successfully.
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CM Punk: Voice of Voiceless
CM Punk brought edge back honestly. Straight edge lifestyle. Anti-establishment attitude. Pipebomb changed everything.
July 2011 pipebomb shook world. Aired grievances live. Blurred reality perfectly. Fans went crazy.
Championship reign 434 days. Modern record. Defended against everyone. Elevated prestige.
Left WWE 2014 dramatically. Walked out after Rumble. Burned bridges. Bitterness lingered years.
AEW debut 2021 shocked everyone. Seven years away. Returned Chicago. Place exploded.
WWE return 2023 shocked more. Survivor Series. Nobody saw coming. Tears, redemption basically.
CM Punk Highlights:
Pipebomb promo June 2011 revolutionizing wrestling
434-day WWE Championship elevating title
Money in Bank 2011 defeating Cena Chicago
AEW debut 2021 seven years away
Royal Rumble 2024 WWE return shocking
MJF feud creating compelling dynamics
Injuries plagued AEW. Triceps tear. Backstage drama. Fired.
WWE comeback feels right. Full circle. Older, wiser maybe?

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Cody Rhodes: Finishing Story
Cody represents new generation. Son of Dusty. Legacy kid done good.
Left WWE 2016 frustrated. Midcard hell. Stardust sucked. Needed proving elsewhere.
Independent scene resurrection quick. New Japan, ROH, everywhere. Became huge star.
AEW co-founder 2019. EVP. Top guy. Built company scratch.
Left AEW 2022 shocking. Unfinished business called back. Rumble return got massive pop.
Wrestlemania 39 versus Roman fell short. Story continued. Wrestlemania 40 finished it.
Defeating Roman ending 1,316-day reign felt cathartic. Tears, emotion. Father’s legacy honored.
American Nightmare works perfectly. Blonde hair, neck tattoo, suits. Unique presentation.
Marisa Tomei and WWE?
Wait, Marisa Tomei? Oscar winner? What’s she doing here?
She’s not wrestler. Maybe appeared WWE before? Celebrity guests happen.
Oscar for My Cousin Vinny. Great actress. Spider-Man movies. But WWE connection? Minimal.
Maybe confusion with Maria Kanellis? Former Diva? Names similar kinda?
Either way, Marisa Tomei isn’t WWE superstar. Great actress though. Wrong list.
Rising WWE Stars
Gunther dominates currently. IC Champ forever seemingly. Chops heard worldwide.
LA Knight got over organically. “YEAH” chants everywhere. WWE ignored. Fans demanded.
Rhea Ripley leads women’s division. Mami character works. Judgment Day elevated huge.
Bron Breakker is genetic freak. Son of Rick. Nephew of Scott. Scary athletic. Future champ.
Jade Cargill crossed AEW. Physical specimen. Learning but potential unlimited.
WWE vs AEW
Competition exists again. AEW launched 2019 giving options. WWE monopoly ended.
Talent moves both ways. Punk, Cody returned WWE. Mercedes, Okada joined AEW.
Quality improved everywhere. WWE stepped up. AEW provided alternative. Fans win.
Ratings fluctuate. Raw moving Netflix 2025. Huge deal billions. Changes everything.
Women’s Wrestling Evolution
Women’s wrestling transformed lately. Used to be filler. Now main events happen.
Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks pushed change. Demanded equality. Eventually got it.
Wrestlemania 35 featured women main event first time. Ronda Rousey, Becky, Charlotte. Historic moment.
Current roster stacked. Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY. Talent level crazy. Matches deliver.
WWE sees women draw money now. Championships headline shows. Respect finally came.
Tag Teams Making Comeback
Tag teams built wrestling originally. Road Warriors, Hart Foundation, Dudleys. Legends.
Modern era saw decline. Singles focus happened. Teams got ignored.
Resurgence happening though. New Day changed things. Usos ran forever. FTR brought credibility.
Division healthier now. Awesome Truth, Judgment Day, DIY. Quality exists again.
Bottom Line
Hulk Hogan revolutionized 1980s becoming icon despite later controversies.
John Cena dominated 2000s-2010s with 16 titles and charity work.
CM Punk’s pipebomb changed storytelling forever.
Cody Rhodes finished story defeating Roman, honoring dad.
WWE evolves constantly. Stars emerge. Legends return. Business shifts. Entertainment stays central.
Whether casual or diehard, understanding superstars helps appreciating history.