John Cena

Really, now. Who ever saw John Cena coming? When he debuted in 2002 on SmackDown, he was just a beefy guy in purple trunks. Within a year of his introduction, he transformed into the battle-rapping, chain-wielding “Doctor of Thuganomics.” Now, he’s the biggest star in WWE – but he’s also the most polarizing.

Fans love him or hate him. There’s no middle ground, and that’s the power of John Cena. Whatever you think of The Champ, there’s no denying that his actions impact everything and everyone around him. Sure, he has his detractors, and they’re vocal, but Cena is still easily the most admired competitor in WWE, as evidenced by his nine million-plus Facebook followers. Cenation is strong. And its message is spreading. Whether competing in the squared circle, performing in front of the camera or donating time to charitable organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Champ is there.

A product of West Newbury, Mass., Cena discovered sports and weightlifting in his teens. He attended Springfield College, where earned a degree in exercise physiology and excelled as a Division III All-American offensive lineman. Although he grew up a huge fan of such Superstars as Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, Cena only seriously considered becoming one himself while working the counter at Gold's Gym in Venice, Calif. There, a wrestler-in-training encouraged him to enroll in class to learn the ropes. From day one, he was hooked.

A year later, Cena was signed by WWE to a developmental contract. What did he have that others didn’t? A physique that looked as though it were formed from Portland cement, mic skills that would shame a Roman senator, the tireless perseverance of Superman, and a devastating move that could turn even the most cast-iron grapplers into bags of mulch.

During the past decade, Cena has amassed many honors, including an amazing 10 WWE Championships. In 2012, though, he’ll prepare for arguably his toughest challenge when he faces The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII. Some WWE fans are cheering the return of The Brahma Bull … but the Cenation leader never left. And, with the gaze of the WWE Universe firmly fixed upon him in Miami, he’ll charge into battle, equipped with the simple yet resounding mission statement he's had since day one: hustle, loyalty and respect.