A former WWE talent recently asserted that Roman Reigns was truthful about John Cena during their 2017 rivalry, a key period when Reigns emerged as the company‘s new leading figure after Cena shifted his focus to Hollywood. This revelation sheds light on the longstanding tension within WWE and the complex dynamics that shaped both superstars’ careers.
The Background of Cena and Reigns’ Conflict
John Cena had been regarded as the WWE’s central superstar for nearly a decade, beginning with his WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 21 in 2005. His dominance was so extensive that some fans began hoping he would adopt a villainous role. Despite Cena’s polarizing nature, Roman Reigns faced even stronger backlash due in part to WWE’s handling of his initial rise to prominence.
Their 2017 feud was marked by claims that Cena wielded what insiders refer to as a “golden shovel,” implying he intentionally hindered the progression of other wrestlers within the company. This criticism intensified as Reigns pioneered a new era but encountered resistance from veteran influences.
Insights from a WWE Insider on the Company’s Direction
Matt Morgan, a former WWE wrestler turned commentator, discussed these internal struggles during a recent Massive Heat podcast episode. He described WWE’s strategy to compete against rival league AEW, including scheduling Wrestlepalooza on the same day as AEW’s All Out event. Morgan highlighted how WWE’s booking was heavily influenced by Cena’s prominence before AEW’s rise.
“I get what they’re doing, but it’s not good for the culture. I’m just keeping it real. It’s not good for the business. What’s good for the business is another secondary company that’s paying millions of dollars to talents right now. … Everybody keeps forgetting. Everybody loves John (Cena) now that he’s retiring. They forget the captive state he kept WWE in all those years with the golden shovel. Roman (Reigns) wasn’t lying of burying younger talents, and I love Johnny. He’s a friend, but it’s the truth,” Morgan said.
Morgan and Cena both began their WWE journeys in the early 2000s, with Cena debuting on the main roster in 2002, followed by Morgan a year later. While Cena rose to become the company’s top star, Morgan was released in 2005 and later built his reputation in TNA Wrestling under the name The Blueprint.
Upcoming Matches and Cena’s Retirement Tour
Brock Lesnar recently attacked John Cena on SmackDown and has confirmed their match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event. Cena is currently on his retirement tour, with seven scheduled appearances remaining. Two of those happen next week, starting with RAW in Springfield, Massachusetts, followed by Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
Further engagements on Cena’s tour include Crown Jewel: Perth in October and Survivor Series: WarGames in November. His final match is planned for December 13, with two additional appearances still unannounced.
Implications of the Feud and Future Prospects
This insider perspective on the Roman Reigns John Cena feud truth provides a deeper understanding of WWE’s internal politics, particularly during a transition period pivotal for the company’s direction. The exposure of behind-the-scenes dynamics challenges the nostalgic perception of Cena’s legacy and highlights the challenges faced by Reigns in stepping into the spotlight.
As Cena’s retirement draws near, his remaining appearances will be closely watched, especially his clash with Lesnar, which symbolizes both a closing chapter and a passing of the torch within WWE’s evolving landscape. Meanwhile, WWE’s competition with AEW intensifies, raising questions about how the industry will evolve in the coming years.
