John Cena would go on to become one of wrestling's biggest-ever stars, but he was nearly fired by WWE in 2003 thanks to Triple H.

Fans now know Cena was one of WWE's most recognisable stars ever, but things were very close to not working out that way.

The year after he debuted on WWE's main roster, higher-ups were close to giving up on the future WWE Champion, but the risk to stick with him paid off.

Did WWE nearly fire John Cena?

As noted, Cena was close to not making it as a top star in WWE, as people with serious influence within the company wanted him gone.

Cena debuted on the main roster in 2002 during an episode of SmackDown in June, but he didn't exactly get off to a flying start.

Speaking to Soscia Network in 2012, Cena explained that Triple H and Vince McMahon both wanted him gone from the company shortly after his debut.

When I was just wearing boots and tights and I was supposed to be the ruthless aggression young good guy, nobody in the company liked me. I know Vince McMahon won't admit this, but he wanted me fired, Triple H wanted me fired, everybody hated me.

Triple H is now essentially running WWE

Cena went on to say that WWE management wasn't allowing him to showcase his abilities, something they did afterwards and subsequently reaped the rewards.

They just wouldn't give me a forum to showcase my talents. I've always been able to connect with the audience if given the ability to speak.

Things turned around for Cena with the introduction of his Dr of Thuganomics character, which proved to WWE fans and even management that he had the charisma to make it as a main eventer.

Is John Cena still with WWE?

Despite being one of Hollywood's top stars now, Cena is still very much under contract with WWE.

He hasn't been a full-time wrestler since moving into acting in 2017, but Cena does try and stop by at WWE shows when his busy schedule allows for it.

In fact, this year has arguably been the busiest of Cena's career, and while he appeared on WWE TV in June, his streak of wrestling at least one match every year since his debut looks set to end in 2022.

However, a return in 2023 is expected, with John's movie schedule clearly being left often to allow for a WrestleMania 39 return, when he's expected to go one-on-one with Austin Theory.

Read More: John Cena: WWE legend's film schedule could hint at WrestleMania 39 plans

John Cena is one of WWE's biggest ever stars

For more updates on John Cena's status within WWE and a potential return to the company, make sure you stay tuned to GiveMeSport.