During his farewell tour in 2023, WWE legend John Cena closely studied his opponent’s style before stepping into the ring, a process he detailed using his bout with Logan Paul at Clash in Paris as a prime example. This approach reflected Cena’s intention to support Paul, who has been touted as a rising star in professional wrestling.
The match in Paris received substantial attention, marking a highlight in Cena’s final run as it showcased the veteran’s mentorship and strategic preparation, helping the younger talent shine on a major stage.
Collaboration Between John Cena and AEW Star Claudio Castagnoli
In an interview on No-Contest Wrestling, Cena revealed he sought permission from AEW star Claudio Castagnoli before encouraging Logan Paul to incorporate some of Castagnoli’s signature wrestling moves into his repertoire. Cena and Castagnoli share a friendship as part of a “coffee group,” which facilitated this exchange.
Recognizing similarities in Logan Paul’s in-ring style to that of Claudio, formerly known as Cesaro in WWE, Cena believed that adopting some of Castagnoli’s techniques would enhance Paul’s performance. He even shared curated clips demonstrating moves like the Super European Uppercut and the Giant Swing to guide Logan’s training.
John Cena’s Thought Process Behind Coaching Logan Paul
“I do my research on guys. Not only do I dive into their personality, but I also watch their past matches, watch what they are capable of, with Logan [Paul]—you don’t have many matches to go on. And a lot of stuff that he was doing was viral moments. I’m like, I need something more than that. We never left the ring,” John Cena winked.
“I saw Logan, and I’m like, man, you look and work like Cesaro [Claudio Castagnoli]. So I call Claudio, and I’m like, ‘Hey, can I borrow some stuff please?’ He’s like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ He’s part of the coffee group. ‘No problem.’ He’s like, ‘I can’t be there. It’d be an honor.’ So, I’m like, ‘Hey, Logan, watch this guy. These are the things that I think you can do,’ and I would send him modified clips of the Super European, the Giant Swing—all of the things I though Cesaro did well, but I think Logan could do well,” Cena said.
Impact of Cena’s Mentorship on Logan Paul’s Wrestling Career
Cena’s effort to tailor Logan Paul’s in-ring style by borrowing from an AEW star highlights a unique cross-promotional influence within professional wrestling. The match at Clash in Paris not only resulted in a Cena victory but also elevated Paul’s credibility as a main event contender. Logan has continued to develop under the on-screen guidance of WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman.
This mentorship and strategic move selection demonstrate Cena’s dedication to nurturing new talent even as he concludes his WWE career, signaling his lasting influence on the industry.
The Broader Significance of Cena’s Approach to Wrestling Development
John Cena’s practice of studying opponents thoroughly and incorporating elements from other wrestlers’ styles adds a fresh layer to the competitive nature of wrestling. His collaborative relationship with Claudio Castagnoli and willingness to help Logan Paul refine his skills underlines the interconnectedness of wrestling communities across promotions like WWE and AEW.
This method may pave the way for future talents to blend in-ring styles innovatively, perhaps leading to more dynamic performances and stronger narratives within wrestling. Cena’s farewell tour thus serves not only as a celebration of his career but also as a bridge to the future of the sport.
