During a recent appearance on “The Howard Stern Show,” WWE Superstar John Cena discussed his real-life issues with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at the time of their WrestleMania feud, his retirement plans, Hollywood career, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On his real-life feud with The Rock during their on-screen WWE feud: “Oh my God, yeah. To me, it was [like], ‘I’m going to jab this guy because I have nothing to lose. I have all the leverage … My angle came from the fact that he was openly saying, ‘I love the W.W.E.’ And I was like, ‘Man, if you love it, why aren’t you here?’ What a stupid thing [of me] to say. I’m so sorry because he had a lot to lose.” I can sit across from you now and say I love the WWE., but Smackdown is in two days and I’m not going to be there. And now I have to eat a bunch of s**t and say, ‘F**k, I was wrong, I’m sorry.’”
On his match with Rock at WrestleMania 28: “He is so professional and so meticulous … and so we incorporated every one of his great ideas into the match. Even the very end, where I get too cocky and ended up losing… [Now] I text him all the time. He will send me voice messages and he will send me texts. He truly is in a universe of his own … and now, having to try to tread in some of his wake, I see exactly how difficult some of that is—and I’m not even one-hundredth of his level.”
On retiring from WWE: “I think I can make it to 50, but I don’t think I can make it past 50. I think that at 50 — if we don’t plan [another event] — I just have to tweet: ‘I’m out. Hashtag: see ya.’ Everyone wants to write their last chapter, but that’s beyond my control… That’s okay. That’s how it happens. Man, I’ve had two decades with them.”
On playing a mermaid in Barbie: I read the script … I tried my hardest to be in the movie … and [‘Barbie’ star] Margot [Robbie] said, ‘We will make you a mermaid. You’ll be in it for half a day.’ I said, ‘Yeah, sure,’ but I think the perspective from an agency standpoint was ‘this is beneath you.’ Their guidance [was]… trickle-down economics from this might take you out of these lead lap spots, and I get all that, but I’ve always operated under the philosophy that good work gets you another chance.”
On Trainwreck being the film that inspired him to seek a full career in acting: “I still love [wrestling] — that’s why I go back, but then somebody gives you an opportunity [like Trainwreck] and says, ‘Hey, do you want to play this weird, awkward, naked guy?’ ‘F**k yeah, that sounds great, let’s do it.’”
John Cena Opens Up About Feud with The Rock, Retirement Plans, and Hollywood Career
In a recent interview on “The Howard Stern Show,” WWE Superstar John Cena discussed various aspects of his life and career, including his real-life issues with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during their WrestleMania feud, his retirement plans, and his burgeoning Hollywood career.
One of the highlights of the interview was Cena’s candid admission about his real-life feud with The Rock during their on-screen WWE feud. Cena revealed that he took jabs at The Rock because he felt he had nothing to lose and had all the leverage. He admitted that his angle came from the fact that The Rock was openly expressing his love for WWE while being absent from the wrestling scene. Cena now realizes that it was a mistake to question The Rock’s commitment to the sport and has apologized for his comments.
Cena also spoke highly of his match with The Rock at WrestleMania 28, praising The Rock’s professionalism and meticulousness. He mentioned that they incorporated all of The Rock’s great ideas into the match, including the ending where Cena’s character gets too cocky and ends up losing. Cena expressed admiration for The Rock’s talent and acknowledged that he is not even close to being on the same level as him.
When it comes to retiring from WWE, Cena shared his thoughts on the matter. He believes he can continue wrestling until he reaches 50 years old but doesn’t see himself going beyond that age. He mentioned that if no other events are planned, he would simply tweet, “I’m out. Hashtag: see ya.” Cena acknowledged that everyone wants to write their last chapter, but ultimately, it’s beyond his control.
The interview also touched upon Cena’s Hollywood career. He revealed that he tried his hardest to be in the movie “Barbie” and even agreed to play a mermaid for half a day. However, his agency advised against it, considering it beneath him and potentially detrimental to his leading roles in other projects. Despite this, Cena believes that good work should always be rewarded with another chance.
Cena also shared that the film “Trainwreck” played a significant role in inspiring him to pursue a full career in acting. He expressed his love for wrestling but acknowledged that when an opportunity like “Trainwreck” arises, where he could play a weird, awkward, naked character, he couldn’t resist taking it.
John Cena’s appearance on “The Howard Stern Show” provided fans with insights into his personal and professional life. From his real-life feud with The Rock to his retirement plans and Hollywood aspirations, Cena’s interview shed light on the challenges and decisions he has faced throughout his career. As he continues to make waves both in the wrestling ring and on the big screen, fans eagerly await what the future holds for this multi-talented superstar.