By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE champion John Cena evaluated the top young names on the WWE roster who are pushing for main event status in an interview with Tom Herrera on Fanhouse.com.

Cena gave strong endorsements to Sheamus, Evan Bourne, and The Miz, said he's "heard good things" about Drew McIntyre, and is looking for Ted DiBiase to step up.

-- On Evan Bourne: "I love Evan Bourne. I think he loves the WWE, he's a very energizing and entertaining personality, and I think he has a bright future in WWE."

-- On Sheamus: "As much as I hate to say it, what Sheamus has accomplished in six months is something I haven't seen since ... man, since Steve Austin became 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. It took me years to even get my first shot at the WWE Championship and he's already a former WWE Champion with a chance at number two, and it's all been virtually in a six-month period of time."

-- On other stars: "I'm hearing a lot of good things about Drew McIntyre, talents like The Miz and John Morrison ... I've actually seen him (Miz) develop and his passion for the business is second to none, and that's coming from a guy who lives and breathes WWE."

-- On Legacy: "I expect really big things out of Cody Rhodes. I hope Ted DiBiase can step up now that he's a singles competitor."

-- Also see from the same interview: John Cena talks more about the Bryan Danielson situation.

Caldwell's Analysis: Cena was trying to give that strong endorsement Sheamus, but it's completely different circumstances compared to Austin. Sheamus was the beneficiary of WWE's roster alarmingly thin this time last year. Austin exploded as the face of the company when changes in the culture intersected with Austin reinventing his character and taking the wrestling business to a new level. Sheamus was given an opportunity hardly anyone receives this early in his career. On DiBiase, it's interesting that Cena phrased his evaluation of DiBiase that he "hopes" DiBiase steps up in his singles run. It wasn't exactly a "vote of confidence" compared to his glowing review of Bourne.

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