During a recent conversation on the podcast What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon, John Cena discussed the most significant lesson he gained throughout his WWE tenure, emphasizing how the experience shaped him both professionally and personally. Cena highlighted the unique nature of wrestling and how it became an irreplaceable part of his life.
He described this lesson as a realization that WWE is “an absolute fictitious dream job”—something he feels deeply fortunate to have experienced. Cena explained that wrestling filled a vital role in his life, revealing a passion and necessity he had not previously understood. His reflections also touched on the reality that no career, or moment within it, lasts forever.
Cena stated,
“The biggest over-reaching lesson is that it is an absolute fictitious dream job that I’m so lucky exists. It is something that I never knew how much I needed in my life and still, to this day, is something I can’t live without.”
“Also, it ends for everyone. No one is immortal. No moment is immortal. No one remembers you forever. None of it matters. The best thing you can do is, if you really love something and something is important to you, when you get a chance to do it, do the best you can and be as coachable as you can.”
—John Cena, WWE Superstar
Additional Insights from the Wrestling World
Elsewhere in the professional wrestling scene, Cody Rhodes recently expressed interest in challenging himself with unique match types that WWE has rarely showcased. In a WFAN interview, Rhodes spoke about the appeal of first blood matches and matches involving barbed wire ropes, citing their psychological complexity and danger.
He explained,
“For me, I’d be interested in a first blood match. The psychology in how you do it and wrestle is really fun. I loved first blood matches. They left a lot of ways you can do it and keep guys whole. First blood is one. Dog collar, I don’t ever see happening because of the neck.”
“Here is one that I’ve thought about. I don’t know what you’d name it because we have street fights. I don’t know what it would take, I don’t know what we would call it, I used to love when they would do the ropes in barbed wire. Dusty (Rhodes) and Tully (Blanchard). The danger. WWE has done the inferno match with the fire. The danger of getting close. It’s a competitor’s dream. That’s one I’ve thought about a lot. The barbed wire and putting it on the ropes.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
Negotiations and Apologies Behind the Scenes at WWE RAW
In a revealing account shared on the Something’s Burning podcast, comedian Bert Kreischer discussed the backstage dynamics involving Tom Segura during a WWE RAW appearance. Segura was prompted to apologize for previous remarks where he criticized professional wrestling, calling it “fake” and meant for “idiots.”
Kreischer described the process, stating that WWE requested an apology from Segura, which was initially met with resistance. Kreischer said he stepped in as a negotiator to help craft an acceptable apology because Segura was not naturally inclined to apologize.
Kreischer said,
“I got pulled aside and I won’t say his name. We know the guy who had a real problem. So, we’ve got to cut a promo with the War Raiders. Super simple. It’s the cool thing about WWE being associated with Netflix, we’re all this big family. So I went and did my promo, had a blast. We did our thing, had a blast. Tom was like, ‘I want to be a part of it.’ He has things coming out so he reaches out and they’re like, ‘Here, you’ve said some things about wrestling in the past.’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, look, I’ve said horrible things.’”
He continued,
“We go to cut our promo with the War Raiders. We do it the first time and they give me a chest slap hard as f**k. So I go, ‘Alright, we got it?’ What’s his name comes out and he’s like the big dude. Not Triple H, but his guy comes out and he’s like, ‘I’m not buying it.’ He’s like, ‘I need you to apologize, Tom.’ Tom is not an apology dude. He’s like, ‘Excuse me?’ He’s like, ‘Well, you know, you’ve said some really reckless things and not everyone’s buying this, you know, I’m just here to test it out. This is what we do, so I’m going to need a little more.’ My chest is on fire and I’m like, ‘Let’s cut to the chase here, what do you need him to say and I’ll get him to say that because I’m not getting f**king hit again.’ I literally was the negotiator of Tom’s apology to pro wrestling.”
—Bert Kreischer, Comedian
Other Noteworthy Wrestling Events and Updates
Recent WWE and wrestling-related happenings include several high-profile appearances, announcements, and developments. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Creative Officer, appeared alongside former President Donald Trump at a White House event focused on reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test in schools and expanding the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The event included notable sports figures such as golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and NFL legend Lawrence Taylor.
Lawrence Taylor himself expressed confusion about his role, stating,
“I don’t know why. I don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing, but I’m here to serve, and I’m here to serve you.”
“I don’t know why. I don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing, but I’m here to serve, and I’m here to serve you.”
—Lawrence Taylor, NFL Legend
The event drew media attention not only for its purpose but also due to visible body twitching experienced by Donald Trump while on stage alongside Triple H, which was widely discussed on social platforms and news outlets.
Upcoming Matches and WWE Production Issues
WWE SummerSlam, slated for the 2025 weekend at MetLife Stadium, has encountered delays in set construction caused by adverse weather conditions. This development may affect the event’s preparations, although WWE has yet to announce any changes to the event schedule.
In related news, WWE’s roster changes include Patrick McAfee’s uncertain future with the company and reactions to Corey Graves replacing him on WWE Raw. Additionally, female wrestlers Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley have been active in responding to critics and expressing ambitions to face certain opponents again. Meanwhile, veteran figures like Triple H continue to face criticism but remain undeterred.
Wrestling Community Responds to Hulk Hogan’s Passing
The wrestling world has been responding strongly to the recent death of Hulk Hogan with tributes and statements from legends including Ric Flair, Undertaker, and legends such as HBK, JBL, Charlotte, as well as Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared August 1 as “Hulk Hogan Day” and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the state in honor of the icon.
Future Prospects and Unseen Wrestling Ventures
Wrestling professionals continue to explore new content avenues, with reports emerging that several WWE and AEW talents may join platforms like OnlyFans, signaling a shift in how performers engage with their audience beyond traditional programming. Additionally, The Hardy Boyz are set to make an appearance during the SummerSlam 2025 weekend, adding to fan excitement.
Meanwhile, Vince McMahon was recently involved in a serious car accident, which has raised significant concern across the wrestling community and media.
