On March 24th, 2007, a young talent by the name of Cedric Van Hausen made his WWE debut, stepping into the ring with dreams of stardom and a desire to leave his mark in the wrestling world. Though his tenure with the company was brief, the debut itself marked the beginning of a journey for the aspiring wrestler who would go on to find success elsewhere. Despite his short stint, Cedric’s appearance and in-ring style caught the attention of fans, many of whom couldn’t help but notice his uncanny resemblance to another popular WWE Superstar.
A Brief WWE Tenure
Cedric Van Hausen’s WWE debut was a part of the company's broader initiative to add more variety and fresh faces to the roster. However, his time with the company was limited. After debuting in 2007, Cedric’s career within WWE didn’t gain significant traction, and he was soon released from the company. Despite his release, Cedric’s brief appearance in the WWE ring sparked curiosity among fans who wondered what might have been if he had been given more time to develop his character.
Although his in-ring work showed promise, Cedric’s run was marred by lack of opportunities and his inability to break into the mainstream consciousness of WWE's larger fanbase. Nonetheless, his potential was clear to those who watched him perform.
The Uncanny Resemblance
What made Cedric Van Hausen's WWE stint especially interesting for fans was his striking resemblance to another Superstar in the WWE roster — none other than the current top-tier talent, Roman Reigns.
From the shape of his face to his muscular build, Cedric looked eerily similar to Reigns, who would go on to become a multi-time WWE Champion and one of the most dominant forces in the company. This uncanny similarity did not go unnoticed, with fans often pointing out that Cedric could have been a "Reigns look-alike" on television.
While the resemblance was noted by WWE fans, it never played a significant role in his character development, and he was never paired with Roman Reigns for a storyline. Nonetheless, the comparisons have become a fun talking point for long-time fans who remember Cedric from his short WWE run.
Life After WWE
Following his exit from WWE, Cedric Van Hausen continued to pursue his wrestling career, making appearances in smaller independent promotions. Though his WWE tenure was short, the experience provided him with the tools and exposure necessary to carve out a niche for himself outside the limelight of major promotions.
In recent years, Cedric has enjoyed a quiet but successful career on the independent circuit, earning recognition for his athleticism, commitment to his craft, and charisma. While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as Roman Reigns or other WWE superstars, Cedric’s legacy remains as a talented figure who had a brief but impactful time in one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world.
Conclusion
Cedric Van Hausen’s WWE debut may have been nearly two decades ago, but it remains a point of intrigue for fans of wrestling history. His short-lived tenure in the company, coupled with his striking resemblance to Roman Reigns, created an interesting storyline that never fully materialized. Whether as a "what if" in the annals of WWE history or a curious note in the career of a talented wrestler, Cedric’s story is one worth remembering. While he may not have reached the heights of a WWE main eventer, his brief appearance serves as a reminder of how many talented performers, regardless of their time on TV, make an impact on the wrestling world.