10 Wrestlers and their superhero counterparts - Part 1

#9: John Cena - Superman

The comparisons are always made during Cena's matches.

This comparison has been made on air many times by the commentators when Cena would make his usual comebacks during a match. Superman is basically indestructible except for kryptonite.

While Cena isn't indestructible, he was often presented as the biggest hero in the WWE. He's a hero to kids and values truth, justice and the American way. Cena's always stood up for the little guy (on screen) and Superman feels it is his obligation to protect humanity even though he was born on another planet.

Having great power comes with a cost - how to use or not use it. Cena's character has always used his power for good, save for a brief run in the early 2000s as a rapper. Superman always has to hold back when fighting villains because he is often the strongest person.

Unless he fights someone like Doomsday, Darkseid or Solomon Grundy, Superman is unable to unleash the full potential of his arsenal of powers. Cena has always been portrayed as a hero to the WWE Universe and to the younger fans in the audience.

He was the main attraction for WWE and was once considered the top star in the company. Although Superman was once considered the most popular superhero under the DC banner, it can be said that Batman has usurped him ever since the 1980s.

Both heroes are always tempted by being corrupted - fans are always calling for a Cena heel turn to freshen up his character. Superman has often been tempted by villains and heroes alike to go to the dark side. There's even a whole storyline in DC Comics where Superman kills the Joker and accidentally kills his wife Lois Lane (see Injustice: Gods Among Us).

Although both have to constantly deal with the temptation to join the dark side, both have predominantly stayed on the side of good. They are the quintessential heroes and are often both called 'boy scout'.