A broski's sacrifice

The WWE Universe will say what they will about John Cena, but on WWE Raw SuperShow, the 10-time WWE Champion proved that if he is one thing, it is selfless.

After defeating Zack Ryder to earn a spot in the WWE Championship Match at WWE TLC, a visibly distraught Long Island Iced-Z couldn’t believe he lost a U.S. Title opportunity. With his friendship in question, Cena marched to Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis’ office and relinquished his spot in WWE TLC’s main event for Ryder to have another chance to earn a U.S. Title bout. The reason is simple, Cena sees a great deal of potential in the young Superstar and wants him to have his fair chance.

“Zack Ryder is one of those Superstars that has the drive to either go down swinging or be noticed,” Cena said. “He’s the first Superstar in a long time, along with CM Punk, that will do anything to show people they have the passion for this business.”

Ryder’s second chance to earn a U.S. Championship Match seemed to be too daunting a task for the Long Island native. World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry was beyond prepared to induct Ryder into the Hall of Pain. However, Cena again proved his loyalty and selflessness by helping Long Island Iced-Z secure the victory.

The self-proclaimed Internet Champion’s rise in popularity can be attributed to his use of social media and the fan-favorite YouTube show “Z! True Long Island Story.” There’s no denying his impact when legions of followers amongst the WWE Universe all exclaim “Woo! Woo! Woo!” in unison with Ryder. Long Island Iced-Z’s also spearheaded a ground-breaking Twitter petition topped off at nearly 25,000 names, one of them being Cena himself.

Cena understood what was being asked of him when Mr. Laurinaitis presented the possibility of Ryder receiving another chance to face U.S. Champion Dolph Ziggler. An accomplished ring warrior, the Cenation leader knows the support of other WWE Superstars is crucial in being successful.

“No one has thrown Ryder a lifeline,” Cena explained. “I am participating in one of the biggest matches in history on April 1, with or without the WWE Title. I’m confident I’ll get another chance, but Zack may not.”

When he debuted in WWE in 2002, a rookie Cena answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle. While Angle came out victorious, Superstars took notice of the young and ambitious West Newbury, Mass., upstart and went out of their way to show their approval of what at the time the future Cenation leader referred to as “ruthless aggression.”

“I was fortunate enough to have individuals stick up for me early in my career,” Cena explained. “I wouldn’t be where I am if it was not for those opportunities.”

Of course, Ryder’s U.S. Title Match at WWE TLC came after Cena helped Long Island Iced-Z defeat the World Heavyweight Champion. But the 10-time WWE Champion does not live in fear of being inducted into Henry’s Hall of Pain when they battle at the special three-hour WWE Raw SuperShow.

“Mark’s a big boy, but I wouldn’t get into any business that I didn’t think I could handle,” Cena said.

Love him or hate him, thanks to the Cenation leader’s sacrifice, the WWE Universe will see Zack Ryder finally challenge Dolph Ziggler for the United States Title at WWE TLC. Will Cena’s effort be for naught, or will the Internet Champion become the U.S. Champion? Find out at WWE TLC, Sunday Dec. 18 at 8/7 p.m. CT only on pay-per-view.

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