About a month ago, John Cena and CM Punk faced off at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, battling for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena retained his title in what could be his final fight against Punk, as the Cenation Leader plans to retire in December.
During an appearance on Paper Street Pictures’ Revival series, CM Punk discussed the contrasts between John Cena’s on-screen persona and his behavior backstage, shedding light on the true nature of the 17-time World Champion. Punk highlighted Cena’s ability to balance his serious role in the ring with a lighter, more humorous personality behind the scenes.
“I think Cena is doing such a great job that every time he gets to do something where he’s silly or it’s comedy, people are always like really really impressed. But that’s the John I know, you know, real loose, cutting up behind the scenes, making a joke of everything, trying to make everybody, you know, smile, trying to make everybody laugh. So, but then on screen, John Cena is very different than John Cena. So, I think people would be surprised if I got to flex different muscles and different roles, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to do so,” Punk said. —CM Punk
Though Cena remains a heroic figure backstage, his on-screen character has recently shifted to a villainous role, a first since 2003. Fans and observers are curious whether this new persona will last through the end of his retirement tour in December.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Night in Their Championship Rivalry
In a candid conversation with Sports Today, CM Punk described his Night of Champions match against John Cena as a “really important night” for him on multiple levels. This bout likely signifies the conclusion of one of WWE’s most memorable rivalries, highlighting the emotional and professional significance it held for Punk.
“Yeah, that was a really important night for me—personally, professionally, and emotionally. Yeah, that’s it. You know, John, to me, has written his own ticket. He can do whatever he wants. There’s something really romantic and poetic about it. The John Cena and Punk rivalry—it has a beginning, a middle, and now an end. And that’s life,” CM Punk said. —CM Punk
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether WWE creative will arrange another encounter between Cena and Punk before Cena’s final appearances, potentially at Survivor Series: WarGames in November. Fans eagerly await what the final chapter of this storied rivalry will bring.
The dynamic between Cena and Punk—two of the industry’s most influential figures—has embodied much of WWE’s modern era. As Cena moves toward retirement, this rivalry’s resolution marks the end of a significant era in professional wrestling history. Observers expect that Cena’s farewell tour and future appearances will continue to generate notable attention and excitement from WWE audiences worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Famous wrestler John Cena has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Doctors discovered melanoma on his left chest and back, about a year apart. Cena informed USA Today that this diagnosis shifted his perspective on life. He encourages men to pay more attention to skin care.
Q. Has John Cena ever had surgery?
A. John Cena recently shared why he decided to have hair transplant surgery to address his bald spot. In an interview, the WWE star spoke openly about feeling pressured by wrestling critics who he says pushed him toward this choice.
Q. What illness does John Cena have?
A. John Cena, a well-known wrestler from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has shared that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer on two occasions.
