So, we have two new champions after WM XXI.

Both spent a few years in OVW before making to the big show (no pun intended), both spent a few years in the mid-card saddled with bad gimmicks (or no gimmick) and bad storylines, and both are in their first major title reign.

That's not where the similarities stop either, they have both been criticized for a lack of in-ring ability and they have both been praised for their charisma.

Finally, both beat a veteran heel to win at WM.

Now, the differences.

Batista has a very impressive and imposing look, at 6'6 318 he's one of the largest men on the roster and his move set reflects that.
He works a slow, dominating and powerful style that calls for his opponent the sell the crap out of his moves.

He relies on his power and look to get the fans involved and believing in the "animal" tag that the WWE have given him.

Cena is quite a bit smaller, but not undersized as WWE stars go.
His move set relies on fan involvement, using signature moves like the 5 knuckle shuffle, and pumping his shoes up to get a reaction.

He relies on his charismatic promos and catch phrases to get the fans involved.

Then perhaps the largest difference, Batista is 36 years old and Cena in his late 20's (28 I believe).

This could work both for and against both men.

Batista could have a short run, as WWE doesn't see him as a future star.
OR
Batista could have long run, as WWE wants to get all the mileage out of him that they can before he breaks down.

Cena could have a long run to establish himself as the next superstar of WWE.
OR
Cena could have a short run, as WWE may fear overexposure for one of their prime young wrestlers.

That's not even getting into the strength of the roster surrounding both men.

So, in the end I chose Cena, largely based on the final and shortest point.

I believe that SD! is looking for an identity, and that WWE will attempt to mold Cena into the face of SD!. Giving SD! the star power so many feel it currently lacks.

The face of Raw has been, and probably will be HHH for quite some time. Does HHH need a foil, that's a debate for another time, but the fact remains that HHH gravitates toward the World Championship. Which makes me believe he will have it back (not want, believe) in the near future.

Winner: John Cena

What does everyone else think

---