WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker recently opened up about his initial underestimation of John Cena during an episode of his Six Feet Under podcast. He admitted that he misjudged Cena’s potential early in his career but has since recognized Cena’s success.
Speaking candidly, Undertaker explained,
“It’s funny, he’s another one that I missed on… I’m just saying, early on there’s two people that I watched them work day one and I was like, ‘Mmmm. Yeah, this guy [ain’t] gonna make it.’ I was wrong, I get — look, I can admit when I’m wrong. There’s some people in the business that can’t do that. I will tell you when I was wrong and I missed with him.”
?Undertaker, WWE Hall of Famer
Comparing Mistakes with His View on The Rock’s Debut
The Undertaker also shared his early impressions of The Rock, recalling how he initially doubted The Rock’s potential during his debut, despite The Rock’s impressive wrestling lineage. He described his reaction to The Rock’s entrance and style, which he initially found unconvincing.
He said,
“You got to go back to day one, when he had the things hanging off of him. And he came out there, and he was ‘Rah rah.’ And I was like — and he debuted in the Garden, right? Rocky Maivia, right? So I’m like, ‘Oh this poor kid.’ And to have the legacy, right? Obviously his grandfather, Chief Peter Maivia. His dad, Rocky Johnson. And then you have these expectations, and you come out with that thing on, and, Cheesy McCheeserton. And I was like, ‘Oh man, this is not gonna be good.’ And I was wrong there. So that’s twice. Those are two big ones. It took them a minute to find their stride. And I guess, I guess they had okay careers. Right?”
?Undertaker, WWE Hall of Famer
The Significance of Admitting Mistakes in Wrestling
The Undertaker’s honesty sheds light on the pressures and challenges of predicting success in professional wrestling, where early impressions can be misleading. His openness about being wrong regarding John Cena and The Rock highlights how perseverance and growth are key for wrestling careers. This insight may encourage fans and wrestlers alike to recognize the value of patience and development in the sport’s dynamic environment.
