Wade Barrett recently spoke out about Why Wade Barrett disliked John Cena in WWE, revealing details about their strained relationship both inside the squared circle and beyond. Barrett’s reflections come after years of shared history, marked by high-profile feuds and backstage friction during their time working together on WWE programming.
Barrett Claims Cena Blocked Nexus and His Main Event Rise
Wade Barrett openly discussed how John Cena’s position as WWE’s top star impacted his own career trajectory, particularly during the explosive Nexus invasion on WWE Raw, where Barrett led the faction. The group targeted high-profile opponents including John Cena, creating chaos that made them instant contenders. However, despite their impactful debut, Super Cena repeatedly overcame Barrett’s group, quickly halting their momentum and diminishing Nexus’s role on WWE television.
Barrett has made it clear that he harbored resentment toward Cena for this setback. In a previous interview, he did not hold back, stating,
“Then there are guys like John Cena who I don’t get along with. It just so happens that he’s not a personality that I get on with very well, in or out of the ring.”
—Wade Barrett, WWE Wrestler
Further fueling the tensions, Barrett reiterated his feelings several years later. He confirmed that animosity went both ways, saying,
“Everyone knows that I don’t like John Cena, and he doesn’t like me either… Personally I don’t like him and he doesn’t like me, we are not friends.”
—Wade Barrett, WWE Wrestler
Despite showcasing multiple strong characters and gimmicks during his run, Wade Barrett pointed to the lack of support from the company and the overshadowing presence of stars like Cena as reasons for not achieving main event status.
Recent On-Air Tensions and Social Media Responses
Recent events suggest the strained history between Wade Barrett and John Cena has not been forgotten. During a WWE Raw broadcast in London on March 31, Cena delivered a heel promo where he addressed the accusations that he diminished the careers of other wrestlers. In response to these claims, Cena remarked,
“I don’t bury talent, I bury mediocrity.”
—John Cena, WWE Superstar
Barrett responded to Cena’s comments on social media, making it clear that, despite now sharing the SmackDown desk and years since their in-ring rivalry, he continues to recall the impact of Cena’s actions on his own WWE journey.
What Barrett’s Comments Mean for WWE Legacy and Relationships
The feud between Wade Barrett and John Cena, both on television and behind the scenes, highlights the competitive nature of WWE and the lingering personal rivalries that come with it. Barrett’s perspective offers insight into the frustrations many wrestlers have faced when competing for the company’s top spots against established mainstays like Cena. Key figures such as Daniel Bryan from the original Nexus angle and organizations including WWE and the Make-a-Wish Foundation have shaped both men’s reputations, but the personal and professional tensions remain evident.
Wade Barrett’s candidness about his long-standing issues with John Cena has reignited fan interest in past WWE storylines and the real-life dynamics that influence career paths. With both men continuing their association with WWE, albeit in different roles, their rivalry serves as a reflection of the pressures and personalities that define the wrestling industry.
