Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known as MJF in AEW, delivered a heartfelt message to John Cena, emphasizing Cena’s influence both inside and outside the wrestling ring. The emotional moment came during an interview shortly after the two crossed paths at a high-profile event in New York City.
MJF and Cena met at the premiere of Happy Gilmore 2, held recently in New York City. Cena attended the event with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh, while MJF was accompanied by several co-stars from the film, where he plays one of Happy Gilmore’s sons. This interaction marked a rare moment where MJF stepped away from his on-screen persona to share genuine respect for Cena, the current Undisputed WWE Champion and a respected figure in both wrestling and entertainment.
MJF Shares Deep Respect for John Cena’s Character and Work Ethic
In a candid conversation on the podcast UNLIKELY with Adrian Hernandez, MJF reflected on the personal impact of speaking with Cena. The usually brash wrestling star appeared sincere as he praised Cena’s dedication and integrity, highlighting how those qualities have inspired him.
“A hardworking, intelligent, freaking just good human being. He’s just a great human being, and every time I’ve talked to him, I’ve come away from it feeling like I either learn something or learned something in the sense of like, ‘This is what I should aspire to be like inside the ring, outside of the ring,'” MJF said. —MJF, AEW Wrestler
This appreciation showcases a softer side of MJF, who is often recognized for his sharp character work and outspoken nature. His acknowledgment of Cena’s positive influence underscores Cena’s reputation as a role model within the wrestling community and beyond.
How John Cena Inspired MJF’s Wrestling Journey
MJF recounted how John Cena was his original wrestling idol during his youth. Before shifting his admiration to CM Punk in his teenage years, MJF proudly displayed a Fathead poster of Cena in his room, signifying Cena’s early impact on his passion for wrestling.
“This dude was a Fathead on my wall growing up, you know? Cena was my first love, and then it was Punk, right?” MJF said. —MJF, AEW Wrestler
Though MJF later worked closely with CM Punk in AEW, including competing against him in a high-profile Dog Collar Match at Revolution 2022, he has yet to work with Cena professionally due to contract commitments with AEW president Tony Khan’s promotion. Meanwhile, Cena is approaching the final year of his in-ring career, which limits the chance of an in-ring encounter but opens possibilities in other fields.
Future Prospects for MJF and John Cena Beyond Wrestling
Both superstars are making strides in Hollywood, which provides an alternative avenue for collaboration. MJF’s role in Happy Gilmore 2 and Cena’s established acting career hint at potential opportunities for joint projects on the big screen. The film, featuring appearances from WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella and Becky Lynch, is set for a global release on Netflix on July 25.
This intersection of wrestling and entertainment reflects a broader trend where wrestlers expand their careers beyond the ring. MJF’s heartfelt message not only highlights his respect for Cena but also signals a hopeful future where mentorship and shared experiences extend from wrestling into Hollywood.
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 the left side of his chest and later on his back, about a year apart. Cena shared with USA Today that this diagnosis shifted his perspective on life. He encourages men to pay more attention to skin-care.
Q. What is John Cena’s illness?
A. John Cena, a well-known WWE star, shared that he was diagnosed with skin cancer two times. The 48-year-old admitted he used to skip using sunscreen. Now, the 17-time WWE champion is educating people about how sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer.
Q. Has John Cena ever had surgery?
A. John Cena recently shared why he decided to get hair transplant surgery to cover his bald spot. During an interview, the WWE star openly criticized wrestling critics for pressuring him into making this choice.
Q. What illness does John Cena have?
A. John Cena, a star from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), shared that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer on two different occasions.
