John Cena's Reign In SmackDown Vs. Raw 2007

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into the iconic world of SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, focusing on none other than the face that runs the place, John Cena. This game holds a special place in the hearts of many, and Cena's presence was a major reason why. We'll explore his character, his moves, his storylines (or lack thereof, since you make your own!), and overall impact on this classic wrestling game. So, buckle up and get ready for a trip down memory lane!

John Cena: The Virtual Champ

John Cena in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was a force to be reckoned with. Capturing his virtual essence was crucial, and the developers at THQ did a solid job. They mirrored his real-life persona. From the buzz cut to the jorts and dog tags, everything screamed "Cena!" His in-game model was pretty spot-on for the time, capturing his muscular physique and signature look. But it wasn't just about the looks, guys. It was about the moves, the attitude, and the overall feel of playing as the Doctor of Thuganomics (though, sadly, the rapping gimmick wasn't included). Playing as John Cena in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 allowed players to step into the shoes of the ultimate underdog. You could relive his most famous matches or create entirely new rivalries. Want to see Cena take on Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match? Go for it! Fancy a Cena versus Edge steel cage brawl? The game gave you the power to make it happen. The possibilities felt endless. The game had a pretty robust create-a-story mode, so you could even craft your own Cena-centric narratives. Imagine scripting a storyline where Cena turns heel, joining forces with Mr. McMahon, or even challenging The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The power was in your hands to reshape Cena's career and make him even more of a dominant force than he already was. What truly made Cena stand out was his balanced skillset. He wasn't just a powerhouse; he had a mix of striking, grappling, and high-impact moves. This made him versatile in the ring, allowing players to adapt to different opponents and situations. Whether you preferred a technical wrestling style or a more aggressive brawling approach, Cena could do it all. His signature moves, like the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the FU (later renamed the Attitude Adjustment), were faithfully recreated in the game. Pulling off these moves felt satisfying, especially when you hit them at the perfect moment to secure a victory. Beyond the moves, Cena's attributes in the game reflected his real-life strengths. He had high ratings in strength, charisma, and stamina, making him a formidable opponent in any match type. This made him a popular choice for players who wanted a reliable and powerful character to dominate the competition.

Signature Moves and Gameplay

Speaking of moves, let's talk about Cena's arsenal in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. The FU (Attitude Adjustment) was, of course, a staple, and hitting it always felt impactful. The STF (Stepover Toehold Facelock) was his submission finisher, allowing you to grind down opponents for a satisfying tap-out victory. But it wasn't just about the finishers. Cena had a range of punches, suplexes, and slams that made him a well-rounded competitor. The Five Knuckle Shuffle, complete with the "You can't see me!" taunt, was always a crowd-pleaser. The animation might look a little dated now, but back then, it was awesome. What made SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 so engaging was its gameplay mechanics. The grappling system was intuitive, allowing you to chain together moves and create your own combos. The momentum system added a layer of strategy, as you had to build up your character's momentum to unleash their signature moves and finishers. Playing as Cena, you could utilize his strength and agility to control the pace of the match. You could wear down your opponents with a barrage of strikes, then capitalize with a powerful slam or suplex. Or, you could focus on grappling, using your superior strength to execute devastating throws and submission holds. The choice was yours. The game also featured a robust create-a-wrestler mode, allowing you to customize Cena's appearance and moveset to your liking. Want to give him a new hairstyle? Go ahead. Want to add some new moves to his repertoire? The possibilities were endless. This level of customization allowed you to create your own version of Cena, tailored to your specific play style. In addition to the standard match types, SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 also featured a variety of unique game modes. You could compete in the Royal Rumble, battle your way through the Elimination Chamber, or even participate in a Money in the Bank ladder match. These game modes added variety and excitement to the gameplay experience, ensuring that there was always something new to try. Playing as Cena in these game modes was a blast. You could use his strength and charisma to dominate the competition, or you could rely on your wits and strategy to outsmart your opponents. Whether you were a seasoned wrestling fan or a newcomer to the genre, SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offered something for everyone. And with Cena as one of the game's top stars, you were guaranteed to have a good time.

Creating Your Own Cena Story

One of the coolest things about SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was the Season Mode. You could take Cena through his career, making choices that would affect his storylines and rivalries. Imagine starting as a rookie and working your way up the ranks, eventually challenging for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Or, you could take Cena down a darker path, turning him into a villainous heel who aligned himself with the likes of Edge and Randy Orton. The possibilities were endless. The game's create-a-story mode took things even further. You could write your own Cena-centric storylines, complete with cutscenes, dialogue, and match stipulations. Want to create a story where Cena feuds with a created wrestler of your design? You could do it. Want to recreate classic Cena rivalries with a new twist? The power was in your hands. This mode allowed you to unleash your creativity and imagination, crafting unique and engaging narratives that would keep you hooked for hours. Imagine creating a storyline where Cena is framed for a crime he didn't commit, forcing him to fight his way through the WWE system to clear his name. Or, you could create a story where Cena forms an unlikely alliance with a former rival to take down a common enemy. The possibilities were truly limitless. What made the create-a-story mode so special was its ability to capture the drama and excitement of professional wrestling. You could create compelling characters, write witty dialogue, and stage epic matches that would leave your audience on the edge of their seats. And with Cena as your main character, you were guaranteed to have a memorable experience. Whether you were a seasoned writer or a newcomer to the craft, the create-a-story mode offered a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity. You could share your creations with friends, compete in online story contests, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of bringing your own wrestling fantasies to life. And with Cena as your virtual avatar, you could live out your dreams of becoming a WWE superstar. The game provided a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor Cena's appearance, moveset, and personality to your liking. You could give him a new hairstyle, add some new tattoos, or even change his entrance music. The level of detail was impressive, allowing you to create a Cena that was truly unique. This level of customization extended to the create-a-story mode, where you could customize the appearance of your created characters, write custom dialogue, and even create your own cutscenes. The game provided a wealth of tools and resources to help you bring your stories to life.

Cena's Impact on the Game's Popularity

There's no denying that John Cena's presence significantly boosted the popularity of SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. He was, and still is, one of the biggest names in wrestling, and having him as a prominent character was a major selling point. Kids and adults alike wanted to play as Super Cena, delivering Attitude Adjustments and STFs to their opponents. His inclusion brought a certain authenticity to the game, making it feel like a true representation of the WWE at the time. Cena's popularity transcended wrestling. He was a mainstream celebrity, appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials. This made him a recognizable face to a wider audience, attracting people to the game who might not have otherwise been interested in wrestling. His charisma and larger-than-life persona made him a natural fit for video games, and SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was a perfect platform for him to shine. The game's marketing campaign heavily featured Cena, showcasing his signature moves and catchphrases. This helped to build hype and anticipation for the game, driving sales and cementing its status as a must-have title for wrestling fans. His image was plastered on the game's cover, on posters, and in commercials, making him the face of the game. This was a testament to his popularity and his importance to the WWE brand. Beyond the marketing, Cena's in-game performance also contributed to the game's popularity. His balanced skillset and high ratings made him a formidable opponent, and his signature moves were a joy to execute. Playing as Cena was a fun and rewarding experience, and it's no surprise that he was one of the most popular characters in the game. His presence helped to elevate the game beyond just a wrestling simulator. It made it a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels, whether they were seasoned wrestling fans or newcomers to the genre. And with Cena as the game's main attraction, it was guaranteed to be a hit. The game also benefited from the WWE's popularity at the time. Wrestling was at its peak in the mid-2000s, with stars like Cena, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin drawing huge crowds and generating massive revenue. SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 capitalized on this popularity, offering fans a chance to step into the shoes of their favorite wrestlers and relive the excitement of WWE events. The game's success was a reflection of the WWE's success, and Cena was a key part of that equation. His charisma, athleticism, and popularity made him a natural fit for the WWE brand, and his presence in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 helped to solidify his status as one of the biggest stars in wrestling history.

Final Thoughts: A Cena-tastic Experience

Overall, John Cena in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was a fantastic experience. He was well-represented, fun to play as, and his presence undoubtedly added to the game's overall appeal. Whether you were a Cenation leader or not, you had to respect his virtual power in this classic wrestling game. So, if you're feeling nostalgic, dust off your old PlayStation 2 or Xbox 360 and relive the Cena-tastic glory of SmackDown vs. Raw 2007! You won't regret it.