John Cena, well-known for his WWE career and transition into acting, recently shared an important lesson he learned from WWE fans that has shaped his professional approach. In a candid discussion with GQ, Cena explained how the experiences with WWE audiences have influenced not only his wrestling career but also his work in the entertainment industry.
How WWE Audiences Shaped Cena’s Professional Outlook
During the GQ profile interview, Cena reflected on the impact that WWE fans had on his understanding of work and opportunity. He emphasized that the lesson extends beyond wrestling, highlighting the importance of putting wholehearted effort into one’s work. Cena pointed out that no matter how hard you try, criticism is inevitable, but genuine effort earns respect even from the harshest critics.
I guess the core message that I can strip away to answer this question is good work begets opportunity. Do good work. Put your heart and soul into good work,
said Cena.
Now, a critic’s job is to be critical. There will always be something to criticize. Always.
He continued,
Even if it’s like, ‘I don’t like the gait of his stride.’ There’s always something to criticize. But if you do good work, even those who are the most critical, I think, appreciate the fact that, ‘Man, I think he gave it his all, but this is where I think it fell short.’
Focusing on Present Effort, Not Future Outcomes
Cena elaborated on the variety of WWE fans and how their passion for the sport creates a unique atmosphere. He explained that, for him, immersing fully into the current moment and task is crucial, rather than obsessing over what opportunities might come next. This mindset, he said, helps maintain authenticity and dedication in a live environment where unpredictability is always present.
But I think at the end of the day, just focusing on the work, trying not to use it as a springboard to do anything else or like, ‘Man, this is an opportunity and I can maybe do this’ or whatever.
Cena noted,
I see a lot of that happen in every aspect of professionalism that I’ve been in close calls with.
He went on to describe how his focus remains on doing the best within the moment, treating every second as invaluable. Cena admitted that preparation is important, but it cannot control every factor—especially the unpredictable reactions of an audience during a live performance.
I think for me, just focusing on the work, me giving you the 37 minutes and 20 seconds we have right now to not be elsewhere. To focus on the work and try to answer your questions in the best frame of mind that I can. I’m not thinking about what’s next. I’m thinking about what’s now.
The Vital Role of Presence in Live Performance
Cena highlighted that being fully present is essential to connect with the live crowd and deliver a genuine performance. He suggested that trying to be anywhere other than in the moment is dishonest to both oneself and the audience. Even if the performance has flaws, audience members respond positively when they sense sincere effort and engagement.
And I believe that that is the lesson, from a professional standpoint, that WWE and its audiences have helped me with so much. Because you can over-prepare, which I try to pride myself in, but when you get out on the canvas, it is live and you cannot control one very important element of the performance and that is the audience.
And if you are not present, then you’re a liar. But if you are present, they accept that even if you work isn’t the best, they can still walk away from the experience being like, ‘Damn, you put your heart on a plate and you gave us a great time.’
This lesson gleaned from WWE fans appears to resonate deeply with Cena as he continues to navigate both his wrestling and acting careers, reflecting a powerful truth about authenticity and hard work in any profession.
