Throughout his WWE career, John Cena has faced numerous opponents, including Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, and AJ Styles. However, in a recent interview, Cena revealed that his biggest rival might not be who fans expect. Speaking as part of the promotion for the second season of Peacemaker on HBO Max, he described his most significant rivalry in an unexpected way.
Cena, who is nearing the end of his farewell WWE run set to conclude this December, shared this insight during a WIRED interview. His final months include a series of matches following a heel turn from Elimination Chamber 2025 up to just before SummerSlam, with upcoming bouts against familiar adversaries like Orton, Punk, and Brock Lesnar.
The WWE Universe: Cena’s toughest challenger
Rather than naming a fellow wrestler as his greatest rival, Cena pointed directly at the audience. He acknowledged the relentless energy and perseverance of WWE fans throughout his 25-year career. Despite countless battles and attempts to win them over or break their resistance, the fans’ spirited engagement has continually challenged him.
“That one’s simple. The audience. My goodness, we’ve been going back and forth for almost 25 years now. You’re tireless. You have an energy of a battery. I’ve tried to break you. I can’t. You got me on the ropes. This is my last nerve. I’ve said I’m gonna retire and I will go down swinging trying to crack your resolve but dammit, you guys are tough. You are my biggest rival,” Cena said. [5:03 – 5:26]
This candid admission highlights the dynamic between Cena and the WWE Universe, which has swung between admiration and frustration, especially during the peak of his popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Over time, Cena has grown more appreciated, notably as he transitioned into a part-time role heading toward retirement from in-ring competition.
John Cena opens up about his closest personal relationship
In the same WIRED interview, Cena was asked about his best friend in real life. Without hesitation, he named his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, referring to her affectionately as his “boss.” They have been married since October 2020. Born in Iran and raised in Canada, Shariatzadeh works professionally as an engineer.
“Well, I do have a close crew, but I gotta put the boss first and foremost. That is my wife. I love her, and she’s my best friend,” Cena said. [5:30 – 5:36]
The significance of Cena’s reflections on rivalry and relationships
John Cena’s recognition of the WWE audience as his greatest rival offers a profound perspective on the connection between performer and fans, emphasizing the mutual challenges that define a wrestling career. As his farewell tour continues, this relationship remains central to his legacy. Moreover, his candidness about personal relationships underscores the balance between his public and private life.
With his retirement approaching, Cena’s reflections invite fans to appreciate not only his in-ring achievements but also the emotional and psychological endurance required over decades. His upcoming matches will likely further highlight this complex interplay between performer, rival, and audience, providing a fitting close to a storied WWE journey.
