During a November appearance at WWE RAW in Madison Square Garden, Ashley Cooke not only performed “God Bless America” but also had a memorable backstage exchange with John Cena, receiving his advice and encouragement before his final match at the iconic venue. The rising country singer reflected on how the experience deepened her appreciation for WWE, while spotlighting John Cena WWE RAW advice that inspired her both as an entertainer and a fan.
Cooke’s Journey to the WWE RAW Stage at Madison Square Garden
Ashley Cooke’s opportunity to sing at WWE RAW came unexpectedly, following her performance on tour in New Hampshire where influential WWE figures noticed her talent. Invited to perform at Madison Square Garden, Cooke expressed enthusiasm for the chance despite not having followed WWE during her childhood. She dove into learning about the organization, watching past matches and especially researching John Cena’s career to better understand the world she was about to join for one night.
“I did some deep diving and did some research, watched a lot of John Cena stuff. Tried to kind of figure out what my role would be in this and be able to enjoy it as somebody who’s paying tribute to our country beforehand, but also watching it. I got to watch it afterwards and experience the whole community and MSG just roaring for John Cena and watching all of it happen,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, said.
Cooke found her brief entrance into this new community unexpectedly welcoming. The experience of sharing the stage and mingling with wrestling fans and stars left a strong impression.
“It was very cool, very, something that I didn’t know that I was ever going to get to do. But I’m glad that I got to, because now I have this community that’s so supportive and so kind,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, explained.
“It really kind of shocked me how much everybody just like open arms, welcomed me into the family as if I had been there my whole life,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, added.
Backstage Encounter with John Cena Leaves a Lasting Mark
The November event also marked a historic moment for John Cena, as it was his last WWE appearance at Madison Square Garden. As a first-time in-person spectator and performer, Cooke got to meet Cena backstage. She described her excitement at meeting a superstar she had previously only studied online, noting that Cena’s charisma in the ring translated into genuine kindness and calm behind the scenes.
“It was the coolest thing ever,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, said about her meeting with Cena.
“We got to hang out and talk for a bit backstage too, which was cool to just get to see because he just looks such like a superhero when he’s in the ring. He commands the crowd so well. And I think it was cool to see from my perspective because we’re both in entertainment but in such a different space, It was just really cool to see somebody that’s just had this massive career and you [captivated] as an audience. He gets their attention so well. It was just inspiring to get to watch as an entertainer of country music. So nothing to do with what he does, but it was special. It was cool to see,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, continued.
Even though the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for Cena’s final performance at MSG, he remained approachable and supportive during their backstage interaction. Cooke detailed how the exchange played out, highlighting Cena’s calmness before stepping into the ring for one last time in “The Garden.”
“That’s a great question because I feel like we all were just so excited. It was mainly just like thanks for being here, and he loved my shirt. I was like, ‘Hey, good luck. You’re going to kill it.’ And he was like, ‘Hey, thanks.’ He was just so he was calm as a cucumber. I was like, you’re about to go fight at MSG for your last time, and he was just chilling, very calm,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, shared.
Honoring Cena with Custom Attire and a Memorable Gesture
Wanting to make her tribute to John Cena stand out, Cooke collaborated with stylist Krista Roser to design a special outfit incorporating Cena merchandise. This custom vest and pants showcased her admiration for the WWE Superstar and commemorated the special occasion.
“I feel like he deserved the most possible recognition. And it was cool because after we met backstage, we met before he fought, and we were talking for a minute,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, explained.
In a touching moment during Cena’s final match at Madison Square Garden, he paused his celebration to recognize Cooke from the ring, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie and appreciation that defined the night.
“This is crazy that he listened to my rendition, but also that he took the time during that big moment, that last massive moment for him from this massive career that he’s had to point at me and say, ‘You did really great.’ That just kind of shows the heart of John Cena and the heart of what this whole organization and this sport is,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, said.
Cooke’s Future in Music and Possibility of Returning to WWE
Following her standout performance at WWE RAW, Cooke is promoting her new release “Ace” under Big Loud Records. When discussing the possibility of stepping into the WWE world again, she expressed openness and enthusiasm for returning, revealing the lasting impact the event had on her.
“I’d love that. I would absolutely love that. I mean, stay tuned. We’ll see, because that’d be very fun. I did fall in love with the world when I was in it, so I would love that so much,”
Ashley Cooke, singer-songwriter, teased.
Ashley Cooke’s encounter with John Cena at Madison Square Garden not only introduced her to a new audience but also underscored the importance of cross-industry support and respect. Inspired by John Cena WWE RAW advice, Cooke left the event with fresh motivation and a newfound appreciation for the wrestling world, signaling a possible return to the WWE universe in the future.
