John Cena Gives Logan Paul a Huge Endorsement Ahead of WWE Clash in Paris Showdown

Ahead of their massive one-on-one bout scheduled in the French capital, John Cena acknowledges the rare talent of Logan Paul.

John Cena Gives Logan Paul a Huge Endorsement Ahead of WWE Clash in Paris Showdown

John Cena and Logan Paul (via WWE)

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The WWE Universe has reached the halfway point of John Cena’s retirement tour, with just 11 more appearances remaining before the 17-time World Champion bids farewell in December. Until now, his journey has largely been about revisiting old rivalries and testing himself against established names such as CM Punk and Randy Orton. But his next challenge at WWE Clash in Paris on August 31 offers something different, a battle against the new crop in the form of Logan Paul. 

Cena and Paul are no strangers to one another. They previously collided during the Royal Rumble earlier this year and later joined forces at Money in the Bank against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso, giving fans a glimpse of their unique chemistry. This time, however, the two will stand on opposite sides in singles action, making their clash in the French capital a genuine test of generational contrast.

Speaking at Fan Expo Chicago, Cena reflected on Paul’s place in the WWE landscape. He acknowledged that ‘The Maverick’ often comes across as brash and unlikable to many fans, but stressed that popularity isn’t the measure of success in the business. 

Cena then compared this to his own career, where he has been cheered and booed in equal measure, yet always valued respect over affection. However, when questioned by a fan if Paul was overrated, Cena dismissed it and gave the former United States title holder his flowers. 

I disagree, I think he’s underrated. I think he gets a bad rap. He’s not an outsider, he belongs in WWE. I think his best days are still ahead of him. He’s got championships in his future. I can tell you I’m not looking past Logan Paul, and I’m not believing any of the hype that he’s an outsider who should be taken lightly. I’m training hard….I know I’ve got a very tough opponent in Logan Paul. So do I think he can beat me up? Yes. Will he have to earn every inch? Absolutely.

John Cena via Fan Expo Chicago

Because of his roots as a YouTuber and social media celebrity, many fans were initially reluctant to embrace Logan Paul as a legitimate part of the WWE roster, especially compared to those who have been grinding in the business since day one. Yet, Paul has consistently silenced critics by showcasing world-class athleticism and natural in-ring instincts. 

His performances against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel and later on the grand stage of WrestleMania 40, where he shared the ring with Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, proved that he possesses the tools and talent to stand alongside WWE’s very best. Beyond his athletic ability, Paul’s influence extends into the business side of WWE. 

His brand, Prime, is not only the official hydration partner of both WWE and the UFC but also made history in April 2024 by becoming one of the first major brands featured as a center-mat sponsor for the promotion. This move underscored just how much star power and financial weight Paul brings with him, helping WWE tap into new audiences and expand further into the mainstream under the Triple H era.

Rikishi praises John Cena for passing the torch to Cody Rhodes in 2025

When John Cena officially retires in December 2025, it will mark the end of a legendary 23-year career inside the squared circle. Debuting in 2002, ‘The Leader of Cenation’ quickly became the face of WWE and carried the company on his back for nearly two decades. But as every era in wrestling eventually gives way to the next, Cena’s run,  much like Hulk Hogan in the ’80s, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the ’90s, is now approaching its closing chapter. 

John Cena and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025
John Cena and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025 (via WWE)

And with one era ending, another begins. The man who has emerged as the new standard-bearer is none other than Cody Rhodes. Since making his dramatic return at WrestleMania 38, ‘The American Nightmare’ has been at the forefront of WWE’s biggest stories. 

He even played a pivotal role in Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber and later shared the spotlight with him in two of the year’s marquee main events. All signs point to Rhodes as the one carrying the torch that Cena leaves behind. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently reflected on Cena’s five-star SummerSlam performance and career during his Off the Top podcast, and he could not have been more complimentary. 

That’s an icon. Future Hall of Famer, the man that did it all, held it down for 15 years, you know. My biggest, humble respect and thank you to John Cena. Thank you for being the leader. Thank you for showing those that when you step up in that position, how it’s supposed to be. Carry it with dignity, respect, and honor of the WWE brand, and you as a person, as a professional wrestler. I hope to see you soon, my man. See you down the road.

Rikishi via Off the Top podcast

As the countdown to retirement continues, speculation over Cena’s final match is already heating up. The original plan called for his farewell bout to take place at a Saturday Night’s Main Event in Boston, his hometown. However, those plans appear to be shifting, with WWE now rumored to be eyeing a direct head-to-head clash with AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view on December 27.

Who Cena faces in his swansong remains the biggest question. But one thing is certain: when the curtain finally falls, WWE will be saying goodbye to one of its most iconic stars of all time.

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