John Cena's evolution in the world of professional wrestling, entertainment, and beyond can be divided into several key stages:

1. *Early Career and "The Prototype" (2000–2002)*
**Wrestling Debut**: Cena began his career in 1999, wrestling in small promotions. In 2000, he joined Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW), where he adopted the moniker "The Prototype," a robotic, bodybuilder persona.
**WWE Developmental**: By 2001, Cena signed with WWE (then WWF) and wrestled in their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he further honed his in-ring skills.

2. *Debut and "Ruthless Aggression" Era (2002–2004)*
**WWE Debut**: Cena made his WWE main roster debut in 2002, answering an open challenge from Kurt Angle. His "ruthless aggression" was on display, but he struggled to find a distinctive character.
**Rap Gimmick (Doctor of Thuganomics)**: In late 2002, Cena debuted a hip-hop-inspired persona, the "Doctor of Thuganomics," where he rapped insults to opponents and quickly became a heel (villain). This edgy character helped him stand out.

3. *The Face of WWE (2005–2010)*
**Main Event Push**: In 2005, Cena won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21, marking his transition into the top babyface (hero) of the company. He dropped the rap gimmick and became more of a traditional hero.
**Rise to Superstardom**: Over the next few years, Cena headlined numerous pay-per-views and held multiple world titles. His image evolved into a more PG-friendly, family-oriented superstar, appealing to younger fans.
**"Never Give Up" Mantra**: Cena adopted his iconic "Never Give Up" slogan during this time, becoming a role model and a symbol of perseverance.

4. *Hollywood Crossover and Part-Time Role (2011–Present)*
*Hollywood Career**: By the early 2010s, Cena began exploring opportunities outside of wrestling. His roles in movies such as *Trainwreck (2015) and Bumblebee (2018) showcased his comedic talent.
**Part-Time WWE Role**: As Cena's Hollywood career grew, his appearances in WWE became more sporadic. However, he continued to wrestle part-time, returning for marquee matches at WrestleMania and other big events.
**Cultural Icon**: Cena has become a major pop culture figure, appearing in various TV shows, hosting game shows, and continuing his work with charitable causes like the Make-A-Wish Foundation (where he's granted over 600 wishes).

5. *Recent Years and Legacy*
*"Peacemaker" and Expanded Acting Career**: Cena's role in *The Suicide Squad (2021) and the HBO Max series Peacemaker further solidified his status as a successful actor.
**WWE Legend**: While Cena appears less frequently in the ring, his legacy is cemented as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time, alongside names like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Cena’s journey from a brash young wrestler to a beloved global superstar and actor illustrates his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his connection to fans worldwide.