A former WWE superstar was taken by surprise when he found out he would become a tag team partner of John Cena, one of the company’s biggest stars. This unexpected alliance took place during the summer of 2008, a time when John Cena was firmly established as the top babyface on WWE’s Raw brand after three years as a leading figure in the promotion. The moment revealed a unique dynamic in WWE’s storylines involving Cena and a popular tag team of the era.
Unexpected Partnership During John Cena’s 2008 Rivalry
By mid-2008, John Cena was in the thick of a heated rivalry with John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), the very wrestler Cena had defeated to win his first WWE title back in 2005. During this feud, Cena found allies in Cryme Tyme, the entertaining duo of JTG and the late Shad Gaspard. Known for their comedic backstage antics alongside solid in-ring skills, Cryme Tyme added a new flavor to Cena’s storylines.
The partnership was highlighted during a memorable July 2008 episode of Raw, where Cena and Cryme Tyme joined forces to target JBL, causing mayhem by vandalizing his notorious white limousine. Cena spray-painted the phrase JBL Is Poopy on the limo, a moment that remains lodged in fans’ memories as quirky yet fitting WWE’s PG era trash talk.
JTG, reflecting on this experience in an interview with Rewind, Recap, Relive, admitted he had no prior knowledge about the segment and was quite shocked when told he would team up with Cena to destroy the limo. The news came as a surprise from a WWE prop guy early in the day:
“It just came out of nowhere. I just remember walking into the building and I think one of the the tech guys, the guys who do the WWE’s prop, the prop guy. He was like, ‘ooh, you guys are gonna have some fun tonight.’ I was like (makes face), ‘I got you guys some bats, I got you some gloves’, and I’m like, ‘What are we doing tonight?’ ‘You guys didn’t hear? ‘He’s like, he knew we didn’t hear, he just wanted to- ‘you guys are destroying the limo tonight with John Cena. I think you and John Cena are gonna be like a (team)’, and I’m like, I didn’t believe him at first. I’m like (makes face) and then as the writers were coming up to me, ‘I’m like, wow, this is real.’ Cena came up, like, ‘yep, we’re a thing now.’ So I was like, oh, wow, this all happened. I remember the date, July 7th.”
—JTG, Former WWE Superstar
This surprise team-up offered a fresh angle in Cena’s ongoing storyline, combining Cryme Tyme’s lighthearted energy with Cena’s top babyface status. It reflected WWE’s mix of humor and rivalry that entertained fans during that period.
High-Stakes Confrontation: Cena’s Latest WWE SmackDown Encounter
In a recent appearance on WWE SmackDown, John Cena faced off against Sami Zayn before a vocal crowd in Chicago. Despite Zayn being a fan-favorite babyface, the audience heavily cheered Cena and booed Zayn, showing their preference for Cena’s victory. However, the match outcome was disrupted by Brock Lesnar, who interfered by pulling the referee out of the ring, resulting in a no-contest decision.
Lesnar further intensified the moment by delivering two brutal F5 finishing moves on Cena, provoking a loud negative reaction from the crowd. After the confrontation, Lesnar addressed Cena directly in a backstage segment, adding to the tension ahead of their upcoming clash:
Hey John, I’ll see ya at Wrestlepalooza, bitch.
—Brock Lesnar
This set the stage for an official match between the two intensity-driven superstars at WWE’s Wrestlepalooza event, promising a high-profile showdown that fans are eagerly anticipating.
Additional WWE Developments and Industry Updates
Beyond Cena’s storyline, former WWE commentator Jim Ross publicly endorsed The Undertaker for a new influential role within WWE, suggesting the legend would be ideal for mentoring current talent. Meanwhile, rumors about Nikki Bella’s conduct within WWE have been debunked, clarifying misinformation circulating online.
In other news, an ex-WWE personality released an emotional statement after being recently fired, reflecting on their past tenure with the Stamford-based promotion. Additionally, a report has confirmed the surgery timeline for AEW star Will Ospreay, explaining his ongoing absence from in-ring competition.
A notable former WWE champion has hinted at the possibility of retirement, signaling a major change for the company’s roster in the near future. Meanwhile, a WWE legend shared candid thoughts on Triple H’s Hall of Fame induction, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the sport. AEW’s MJF also stepped forward to defend WWE in response to criticism from former champion Ronda Rousey.
Lastly, major uncertainties surround Cody Rhodes’ next match, as developments suggest his upcoming plans could soon change dramatically.
How This Surprise Partnership Shaped WWE Narratives
The unexpected alliance between John Cena and Cryme Tyme in 2008 was more than just a fleeting moment; it illustrated WWE’s ability to blend humor, surprise, and storytelling within their programming. For Cryme Tyme, sharing the spotlight with Cena elevated their presence, while Cena’s connection with entertaining side characters enhanced his appeal to a broad audience.
Looking ahead, the evolving rivalries involving Cena, Lesnar, and other key figures like Sami Zayn continue to fuel WWE’s dramatic momentum. Fans remain eager to see how these tensions unfold, especially at upcoming events such as Wrestlepalooza, where anticipation is high for major confrontations and significant career moments.
