O primeiro filme detalha a existência de pelo menos um "The One" anterior que definiu "o primeiro de nós" gratuitamente. Morpheus explica isso a Neo logo após a explicação do mundo real - a cena da bateria e Neo vomitando.
MORPHEUS: When the Matrix was first built there was a man born inside that had the ability to change what he wanted, to remake the Matrix as he saw fit. It was this man that freed the first of us and taught us the secret of the war; control the Matrix and you control the future.
No entanto, quanto à existência de vários "The Ones" anteriores, acredito que você esteja correto.