The Headbangers, popular figures from WWE‘s Attitude Era, made a comeback to the organization in 2016, participating in two tag team contests and a 16-person tag match, all of which ended in defeat. During an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Chaz Warrington, known as Mosh, shared how John Cena warmly greeted them during their return, helping them feel included amid the locker room environment.
We walked in and kind of stood there, and kind of looked around for a second and then, from across the room, it was instant eye contact – it was John Cena,
Warrington recalled.
Cena jumps up. He’s like, ‘S**t! Headbangers are here! Heard you guys were coming!’ And he comes running across – literally running across the thing – he gives us a hug.
Cena’s enthusiasm led him to invite Mosh and his tag partner Glenn Ruth to join him in catering so they could reconnect. Warrington noted their prior meeting was brief and early in Cena’s career, back when Cena was still performing under the name Prototype. His welcome helped ease what could have been a difficult locker room experience.
The Challenging Journey to Rejoin WWE Competition
Re-entering WWE was not an immediate or simple process for The Headbangers. Although Warrington initially approached the idea with some nerves, his motivation was as much personal as professional – he wanted his son to see him compete on television again. For years, he reached out to WWE staff, including Triple H (Hunter), seeking an opportunity for at least a one-time appearance.
Whenever WWE was in town or anywhere near me, I would call. I would try and get a hold of Hunter [Triple H] and say: ‘Hey, is there anyway for me to – I’m not looking to come back – I just want to do one match,’
Warrington explained.
Despite his efforts, WWE officials initially declined, citing insurance complications. Eventually, former in-ring rival and longtime friend Brian James, better known as Road Dogg, helped open the door for The Headbangers’ return.
I’m like, ‘Okay, yeah, nice rib. Well played,’
Warrington said.
Then immediately he called me and it was Road Dogg and he was like, ‘No, no, it’s not a rib!’ He goes, ‘We got this storyline we’re doing, we’d love to have you and Glenn.’ I couldn’t say yes fast enough!
Final Steps Toward Their WWE SmackDown Appearance
Their scheduled return faced delays, but Warrington stayed patient until confirmation arrived via a message from WWE legend Howard Finkel, informing him that he and Ruth would feature on WWE SmackDown. This marked a meaningful return for The Headbangers, allowing them to reconnect with fans and demonstrate their enduring presence in professional wrestling.
Significance of Their Return and Cena’s Role
The Headbangers’ journey back into WWE underscores the sometimes complex path veterans face when rejoining the promotion after years away. John Cena’s welcoming gesture not only eased their transition but symbolized respect and camaraderie across different WWE generations. Their story highlights the personal connections and backstage relationships that often influence on-screen opportunities, reflecting the unique community within professional wrestling.
