John Cena has faced significant criticism concerning his role in WWE’s hierarchy, with accusations that he blocked younger stars from gaining victories. These claims first emerged when Jake Hager, known as Jack Swagger during his WWE tenure, revealed that Cena prevented him from cashing in his Money in the Bank win against Cena on Raw in 2010. Instead, Hager had to cash in later on Chris Jericho on SmackDown. This issue sparked widespread discussion about Cena’s reluctance to lose to emerging talent, a key point in considering his impact on the WWE landscape.
Matt Morgan Supports Claims That Cena Refused To Lose To Various Rising WWE Stars
On Eric Bischoff’s 83 Weeks podcast, Matt Morgan publicly backed the notion that John Cena avoided putting over at least 10 younger WWE wrestlers, including Zack Ryder, Alberto Del Rio, and the entire Nexus faction led by Wade Barrett. Morgan explained Cena’s refusal in detail, emphasizing how this stance stalled some of the most popular WWE storylines and blocked potential new stars from ascending in status.
“There’s a reason top guys stay top guys. And a big part of that is refusing to put over up and commerce that the fans are starting to change, and start rooting for. I.e. see [Zack] Ryder, Jack Swagger at the time, Alberto Del Rio at the time, please tell me who John Cena put over Eric, from the years, 2004-2012? [He] wouldn’t even allow NXT as an entire group and stable to beat his ass down where Wade Barrett could’ve came out as the world champion eventually. It was the hottest story in the company in the last five years when it started. He still said no.” —Matt Morgan, Wrestler
Morgan further stressed that Cena’s refusal extended to protecting his top spot at the expense of emerging wrestlers and storylines, preventing pivotal moments such as Wade Barrett’s possible world championship victory.
“Eric, please name any WWE agent on God’s Green earth, that would actually pull Jack Swagger aside and say ‘I’m not supposed to tell you this brother, but Cena doesn’t wanna do the job for you!’ LMFAO! Said no WWE Agent of all time Lol! They would be fired the next day. They know that they get in where they fit in. None of them in 1 million years would cross John Cena as agents. None of them not one. He was their money train at the time.” —Matt Morgan, Wrestler
This statement reflected the perceived unwritten power Cena wielded backstage during his peak years, suggesting that even WWE officials respected his control over match outcomes and decisions.
Contextualizing the Impact of Cena’s Alleged Blocking of Young Talent
These allegations raise concerns about how Cena’s dominance in WWE booking may have affected the growth of future stars. By allegedly refusing to lose, Cena might have inadvertently limited the rise of notable wrestlers whose careers depended on receiving decisive wins. This tension between maintaining a top star’s image and pushing new athletes reflects an ongoing challenge in professional wrestling booking.
Broader WWE Landscape Developments and Their Relevance
While the focus remains on John Cena’s WWE younger stars refusal allegations, other significant developments continue to shape WWE and wrestling at large. AJ Styles, now 48, has publicly stated that he does not plan to compete past age 50, indicating generational transitions within the industry. Additionally, AEW wrestler Bryan Danielson has taken on a new full-time role outside of ring competition, highlighting shifts in wrestling roles as performers age.
Surprising moments like AJ Lee’s unexpected return have also caused stirring reactions in the WWE locker room, showing how changes excite yet challenge the roster’s dynamics. Meanwhile, prominent events such as WrestleMania 40, which possibly marked The Rock’s last WWE match in a tag team alongside Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, underscored the departure of another legendary figure, intensifying scrutiny on how newer stars are nurtured.
The Future of WWE’s Talent Development Amid Controversy
The ongoing accusations against John Cena and insights from insiders like Matt Morgan emphasize a broader conversation about talent progression in WWE. If top stars resist putting over younger wrestlers, it could hinder the company’s ability to refresh its roster and maintain viewer engagement. The wrestling community’s debate underscores the urgency for a balanced approach that honors established champions while genuinely fostering new talent.
What comes next could involve shifts in booking philosophy or new leadership decisions that encourage more inclusive opportunities for rising stars. The scrutiny faced by Cena’s WWE younger stars refusal illustrates a turning point, where hopes for a more cooperative future in wrestling storytelling may take center stage.
