WWE icon John Cena recently disclosed the worst advice he has ever been given, sharing the revelation during an interview with Complex alongside actor Idris Elba, his co-star in the series Heads of State. Reflecting on his beginnings in professional wrestling, Cena recalled hearing a discouraging message telling him to quit wrestling to gain acceptance.
“I’m not gonna give away who gave it to me, because it’s the worst of all time. I want to protect the innocent. ‘You gotta drop this wrestling thing if you want to be accepted.’ Fu*k that! 4 life!”
—John Cena
Rejecting that advice, Cena persisted, ultimately building a legendary career that spanned over twenty years and earned him 17 world championships before retiring in 2025 as one of wrestling’s all-time greats.
Addressing Criticism About His WWE Heel Run
At Fan Expo New Orleans, John Cena was asked which match from his retirement tour he would replace with a dream match. Rather than entertain hypothetical changes, he addressed criticism accusing him of avoiding questions about his time as a WWE heel.
“There’s a perspective out there that I will dodge questions like that so I want to lean into that right? I want to lean into why I say what I say,”
Cena explained.
He expressed that he does not dwell on alternate outcomes or unrealized scenarios and instead focuses on the meaningful experiences he had during the tour.
Why Cena Values Every Moment From His Retirement Tour
Cena emphasized his appreciation for the actual matches he took part in rather than wishing for fantasy lineups. He highlighted several key moments from the tour that he treasured.
“I got to have a match with Randy Orton in his hometown,”
Cena said.
He also spoke about the unique experiences he shared, including traveling to Saudi Arabia to compete against CM Punk and working with Logan Paul in Paris as part of helping to encourage Paul’s commitment to WWE.
“I got magic with AJ Styles. So yes, The Rock and Travis Scott probably would have been great, who knows it didn’t happen. But what I got in return, instead of wishing some fantasy element that I can’t control, what I got in return is magic and I wouldn’t trade that for anything,”
John Cena concluded.
The Lasting Impact of Cena’s Choices and Career
John Cena’s steadfast rejection of advice to abandon wrestling and his positive reflection on his retirement tour indicate a deep appreciation for his authentic journey rather than hypothetical scenarios. His ability to focus on real experiences with fellow stars like Randy Orton, AJ Styles, CM Punk, and Logan Paul underlines his commitment to the present and respect for the wrestling community’s evolution.
This perspective helps maintain Cena’s legacy as “The Franchise Player” not only through his championships but also through the meaningful relationships and moments he created. As Cena continues to engage with fans and transition beyond wrestling, his story serves as a reminder that perseverance in the face of doubt often leads to greatness.
