After some initial struggles, John Cena rose to become the biggest star in WWE.
During his full-time career, Cena racked up 16 World Title wins and formed a close friendship with Vince McMahon. Superstars in this position usually also gain some control over their creative and have the opportunity to pick and choose who they work with.
Even in recent weeks, it was reported that Brock Lesnar turned down a match with Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 39.
However, Cena claims that he does things differently. During a new interview with the Associated Press, Cena dived into his most recent WWE return and upcoming WrestleMania match with Austin Theory. The star said that he is only facing Theory because that’s what he was told to do, stating that he has never dictated who he works with.
“You would be surprised at my answer. Because that’s what I was told would happen. I don’t do that. I don’t say, I want to do this. I want to work with that person. I don’t ever do that. I’ve never done that. I just try and do what I’m told to do and do it to the best of my abilities.
Instead of dictating my terms, I often just try to make the performance the best it can be. What I don’t do and what I’ve never done is curate the direction of the narrative. I don’t pick opponents, but I love to tell stories. I didn’t pick Austin Theory but I certainly spoke from the heart (on Raw).”
John Cena Defends Vince McMahon – “I Love The Man”
During the same interview, Cena also came to the defence of Vince McMahon. WWE’s Executive Chairman returned to the company in January after retiring in July 2022 surrounded by a number of allegations of serious misconduct.
Despite the allegations, the former World Champion heaped praise on McMahon.
“He’s everything you could want in a great friend, business partner, father, mentor. I love the man.”
Cena added that it wasn’t difficult to reconcile these feelings with the allegations. He said that when you love someone, you take them as “imperfect” as they are, noting that “we all make mistakes.”