John Cena WWE promo battles have become a defining method for the veteran star to test upcoming wrestlers, ensuring they prove themselves before rising in WWE. During a recent SmackDown event in Dublin, Cena engaged in a fierce promo exchange with Logan Paul, sharply contrasting Paul’s brief wrestling experience against Cena’s extensive 23-year career. Cena mocked Paul’s past as a social media personality and accused him of exploiting opportunities that belong to others, symbolized vividly by Cena knocking over Paul’s sponsor’s Prime energy drink during the match.
Bishop Dyer Explains Cena’s Ruthless but Supportive Approach
Bishop Dyer, known formerly as Baron Corbin, revealed on Busted Open Radio that Cena’s harsh promos are not just personal attacks but deliberate tests to measure the resilience and skill of new wrestlers. Dyer said Cena demands excellence and does not hand out chances lightly, even though he genuinely wants others to succeed in WWE.
“John will have no mercy on the microphone. He talks about wanting to give back to the business, and he does. He truly loves this and wants people to be successful. But he’s not gonna hand it to you.” —Bishop Dyer, Former WWE Wrestler
Dyer gave examples of Cena’s similar hard-hitting promos against Roman Reigns and Austin Theory, where Cena pushed them aggressively to improve their craft.
“We watched him murder Roman on live television, from the drug test pop to the lack of promo skills – he cut Roman’s seeds off in that promo.” —Bishop Dyer, Former WWE Wrestler
Using Real-Time Pressure to Test Competitors’ Grit
Dyer also speculated that Cena did not pre-warn Logan Paul about what to expect during their promo battle, aiming to capture Paul’s genuine reactions under pressure. This method lets Cena evaluate how wrestlers handle unscripted, high-stakes situations.
“He’s going, ‘If you can come back from that and prove me wrong, I will help you to take the keys to the kingdom.’ Maybe John didn’t tell (Logan) anything. In my brain John didn’t tell him anything ‘When you’re done, I’ll start talking and then I’ll put the button on it and we’re out.’ He wants Logan’s real reactions in the moment.” —Bishop Dyer, Former WWE Wrestler
Dyer emphasized this testing process is consistent for many wrestlers, including Austin Theory, where Cena demands originality and top-level performance or else delivers crushing criticism.
“But it was a test too man. It was a test to see if he could hang. It was a test to see what Logan was gonna bring to the table promo-wise. He did it to Theory. If you’re not gonna bring original content and your A-game, he’s gonna murder you.” —Bishop Dyer, Former WWE Wrestler
These promo battles are crucial moments where Cena gauges talent readiness, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards in WWE. His tough but fair approach underscores what it takes to succeed among the company’s elite performers and hints at the elevated challenges new wrestlers must overcome to earn their place.
