Ken Kennedy, a former WWE superstar, has shared that John Cena played a significant role in his WWE release. The revelations came as Kennedy reflected on his unexpected exit from the company and the events leading up to it, providing new insight into the dynamics behind the scenes.
Kennedy, known as one of WWE’s notable “what if” wrestlers, once held the Money in the Bank briefcase and was a United States Champion during his tenure. His career was marked by several near-breakthrough moments, including a planned World Heavyweight Title run and a storyline involving Vince McMahon, both of which failed to materialize due to injury and controversy.
Background of Ken Kennedy’s WWE Career and Challenges
Ken Kennedy’s potential in WWE was recognized early, especially when he won the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2007. This victory positioned him for a main event push that ultimately never fully developed, largely because of an injury that was later deemed minor. Additionally, he was set to get a major storyline push as Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son, which was derailed following a steroid purchasing scandal.
His release in May 2009 followed a tag team match where an incident involving Randy Orton occurred. Orton, struggling with shoulder injuries, took a particularly hard bump from Kennedy, which led to visible frustration from Orton and soon after, Kennedy’s departure from WWE was announced.
Following his WWE release, Kennedy moved on to TNA, wrestling under his real name Ken Anderson. There, he found considerable success, becoming a two-time TNA World Champion and engaging in memorable rivalries with wrestling legends such as Sting, Kurt Angle, and Jeff Hardy.
John Cena’s Involvement in Ken Kennedy’s Release Explained
On his Mic Check podcast, Kennedy addressed the role John Cena played in his WWE release. He recalled an incident in 2007 where Cena suffered a torn pectoral muscle during a match with him, which led to Cena’s absence and his surprising return at the 2008 Royal Rumble, which he won as a surprise entrant. Kennedy emphasized that the injury was purely accidental and that there was no ill intent on his part.
“Was I perceived among my peers any different after the incident with Cena where he accidentally tore his pectoral muscle? Everybody knew I had nothing to do with that.” – Ken Kennedy, Former WWE Superstar
When discussing his release from WWE, Kennedy clarified that many presumed Randy Orton was mainly responsible due to the controversial tag team match. However, he revealed that John Cena was actually more involved in the decision to release him, though Kennedy expressed no hard feelings about it now.
“About the Randy Orton and John Cena situation in WWE and my release—everyone always asks about the Randy Orton part of that story. But I’ll say this, John was way more involved than Randy Orton, I would say. It’s honestly not a negative thing to be right now. It literally just is what it is, and yeah, I have no negative emotions surrounding it now.” – Ken Kennedy, Former WWE Superstar
Ken Kennedy’s Perspective on His Departure
Kennedy has since moved on from the chapter of his WWE exit, viewing it as part of wrestling’s unpredictable nature. He further hinted that neither Cena nor Orton acted out of malicious intent, but rather that the decisions were part of larger backstage dynamics beyond his control. Kennedy’s openness regarding the situation sheds light on the complexities wrestlers face behind the scenes.
John Cena WWE Release: Broader Impact on Careers and Wrestling Storylines
The revelations about Cena’s involvement in Kennedy’s release highlight the considerable influence top stars can have on company decisions, beyond what is publicly known. Ken Kennedy’s story stands out as an example of how quickly a wrestler’s trajectory can change despite previous momentum and opportunities.
For Ken Kennedy, this release did not mark the end of his wrestling career, as he went on to achieve success elsewhere. Still, the unfinished business in WWE serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of wrestling stardom and the internal challenges performers often endure.
Related WWE Updates
Meanwhile, in the current wrestling landscape, interest in John Cena remains high. Drew McIntyre has openly challenged Cena, vowing to “tear John Cena to shreds” under the right circumstances, though Cena has yet to respond publicly.
Cody Rhodes also made predictions about an anticipated match between Cena and Brock Lesnar, while preparing to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event.
Other storylines involve Brock Lesnar’s brutal tactics on WWE programming, Toni Storm’s controversial comments about WWE, and emotional moments such as Jimmy Uso discussing his reunion with twin brother Jey Uso.
Wrestlepalooza may also feature surprises, with rumors of unannounced title matches being teased, indicating the event’s potential to shake up WWE’s current status quo.
