Kurt Angle paid tribute to the 20th anniversary of John Cena in WWE with a special promo recreation alongside his daughter.
Angle was Cena’s first opponent on the WWE main roster in 2002. The Olympic gold medallist issued an open challenge to the entire locker room. Cena famously accepted the invitation, adorned with red and black trunks.
Angle then bluntly asked, upon seeing the rookie: “Who the hell are you?” And 20 years on, every wrestling fan – and beyond – knows who John Cena is.
In the subsequent match that followed, Cena got in plenty of offence, but was ultimately on the end of defeat against the WWE veteran.
Speaking in an interview with WWE earlier this month, Cena conceded his belief that his debut “didn’t go well“. When answering the challenge, he publicly declared his ‘Ruthless Aggression’ mantra, which embodied him for many years. However, he now believes he could have done more to showcase that mantra in his opening match.
A number of months after his debut, Cena was given the ‘Doctor of Thuganomics’ gimmick. It would propel him to new heights.
Kurt Angle recreates John Cena debut promo
A total of 20 years on, Angle is no longer signed with WWE. He was released from the company in 2020.
Although he did provide a congratulatory video message towards Cena that was aired on the recent edition of Raw, he did not appear in person to celebrate the 45-year-old’s anniversary.
Instead, he decided to arrange his own tribute, which took place in his backyard. Using a standard microphone, Angle began delivering the famous lines that led to John Cena making his WWE debut.
The American issued an open challenge to anyone in his house to come out and face him. He was then interrupted by the shutters on his garage door opening up, before his daughter walked out to confront him.
In the spirit of the promo, Angle promptly asked: “Who the hell are you?” His daughter then gave two words in response: “Ruthless aggression!” Angle then got a slap for his troubles.
It was a heartwarming and brilliant moment, and another instance which shows just how revered Cena is in the WWE locker room and beyond.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / Kurt Angle
