John Cena recently lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, marking a significant moment before his looming final feud with Brock Lesnar. Despite not appearing on Monday’s RAW, Cena quickly returned to work following the loss, demonstrating his focused mindset as he anticipates the last bout with Lesnar.
Following a grueling 38-minute Street Fight at MetLife Stadium, Cena shared a meaningful moment with Rhodes, the newly crowned champion. However, the atmosphere shifted when Brock Lesnar unexpectedly returned to the ring and concluded the night by delivering a decisive F5 to Cena, signaling their next confrontation.
Cena Balances Wrestling with Filming Netflix Comedy ‘Little Brother’
Alongside his WWE duties, John Cena has been filming the Netflix comedy Little Brother in New Jersey, where he plays a real estate agent. The movie features Eric André as his quirky younger brother, with supporting roles from Chris Meloni, Michelle Monaghan, Ben Ahlers, Caleb Hearon, Sherry Cola, and Ego Nwodim. Even after his SummerSlam setback, Cena immediately resumed filming on Monday, showing his commitment to both his wrestling and acting careers.
Cena has previously discussed how he picks up new skills during downtime on set, such as learning piano or practicing Chinese. When asked about new hobbies during this shoot, he kept his response light and personal.
“Those are hobbies, and hobbies we like to keep personal. You know that [smiles],” John Cena responded.
Insights into Cena’s Mindset Ahead of Final Confrontation with Brock Lesnar
John Cena and Brock Lesnar have faced off almost 40 times since 2001, including 18 singles matches where Lesnar holds a dominant 16-2 record, although most wins came at non-televised events. The brutal ending of SummerSlam, where Lesnar overpowered Cena, set the stage for their final official fight. Cena shared his thoughts when seeing Lesnar again at MetLife Stadium, expressing a calm readiness despite the intensity of their rivalry.
“Uh, well… I’ve been saying the same thing for 25 years: they deal ’em, I play ’em. You know? I’m just really excited we got like 12 of these things left. I think SummerSlam was an indication from the audience, where everybody kind of knows we’re closing our book, and just because I close my book in December, that doesn’t mean the WWE closes its books. They’ve got to continue their programming going forward, so they’re just trying to make the most exciting show for the fans, man. For the dozen I got left… they deal ’em, I play ’em,” John Cena said.
This statement reflects Cena’s acceptance of his career nearing its conclusion, while also acknowledging WWE’s ongoing future beyond his departure. His approach to matches remains consistent, treating each opponent as part of the story WWE builds for its audience.
The Historical Context of Cena and Lesnar’s Rivalry
John Cena and Brock Lesnar’s in-ring history extends back over two decades. Their last official match occurred at WWE Night of Champions on September 21, 2014, where Cena won by disqualification, but Lesnar retained the World Heavyweight Championship. Over the years, their confrontations have been intense and hard-fought, with Lesnar having the edge in wins. However, Cena’s resilience and dedication continue to drive the anticipation for this final clash.
Looking Ahead to Cena’s Closing Chapter in WWE
As John Cena approaches the end of his wrestling career, his mindset emphasizes professionalism and respect for WWE’s legacy. The upcoming match against Brock Lesnar promises to be a significant conclusion to one of wrestling’s most enduring rivalries. Cena’s acknowledgment of having around a dozen matches left indicates his intent to make a lasting impact before retiring, while WWE plans to carry forward its storytelling for fans worldwide.
