John Cena Shares Unfiltered Take on Vince McMahon’s Complicated Legacy

Ahead of his swansong at the December 13th edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, John Cena reveals what he learned from Vince McMahon.

John Cena Shares Unfiltered Take on Vince McMahon’s Complicated Legacy

John Cena and Vince McMahon (via WWE)

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Before capturing his record-breaking 17th world title at WrestleMania 41, John Cena opened up about his relationship with Vince McMahon in a New York Times profile. Despite everything that has transpired with the former WWE CEO, Cena admitted he still loves McMahon. 

He made it clear he wasn’t attempting to minimize the allegations against the former WWE Chairman, but acknowledged that McMahon remains someone he loves wholeheartedly. After all, McMahon was the architect of Cena’s rise in the early 2000s, positioning him as the new face of WWE and helping him fill the enormous void left by stars like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar. 

Moreover, Cena also noted that his perspective on McMahon would undoubtedly upset many people, but as his own WWE career winds down, he has begun reflecting on the individuals who shaped his path.

For those unaware, McMahon is currently entangled in multiple lawsuits and resigned from WWE in January 2024 following allegations brought forward in a civil suit filed by former employee Janel Grant. 

Although Cena was not actively wrestling during that period, McMahon’s influence remained a pivotal part of his journey, and Cena has expressed his appreciation for his former boss on several occasions.

Speaking with Bill Simmons of The Ringer ahead of his retirement match, Cena discussed what he valued most from working with McMahon and expressed sadness over his absence. While addressing the former WWE CEO’s recent controversies, Cena also underscored the depth of knowledge McMahon possessed. 

Of all the things he did and of all the things he taught me, one piece that was very important is that no one is irreplaceable. The one thing that needs to stand firm is the consumer’s belief in what we do. Vince has so much knowledge. I think what’s happened is unfortunate because you have this individual with so much depth of field who can still offer things, and we no longer can pull from that well.

John Cena via The Ringer

When 2005 arrived, and WWE found itself without several top stars, McMahon personally handpicked Cena to become the company’s next franchise centerpiece. As the company transitioned into the Ruthless Aggression era and later the PG Era, Cena became the face of the brand. 

His first WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 21 sparked a phenomenon, one that would carry the company for over a decade. From there, Cena grew into a 17-time world champion, clashed with icons and future greats, and cemented his legacy as one of the promotion’s most enduring standard-bearers.

Now, with Cena preparing for the final match of his storied career at Saturday Night’s Main Event, all eyes turn to December 13. The question looming over the WWE Universe: Will Vince McMahon show up to witness ‘The Last Real Champion’ step into the ring one last time?

John Cena reacts to his father’s opinion on the 17-time champion’s final WWE opponent

John Cena has finally responded after his father publicly blasted WWE’s rumored choice for who should retire his son at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. In a recent interview with All Axxess, Cena Sr. made headlines when he criticized the idea of Gunther being considered for Cena’s final opponent. 

John Cena and Dominik Mysterio
John Cena and Dominik Mysterio (via WWE)

Instead, he pushed for iconic names such as Edge, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, and JBL, legends he felt were more deserving of closing out his son’s historic career. Appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, Cena addressed the controversy head-on. 

Though he never mentioned the Austrian powerhouse by name, his comments clearly referenced the swirling speculation. Cena leaned into humor as he reflected on his father’s unpredictable presence in the wrestling world and how he’s learned to accept his outspoken nature.

Man, when we sit, there’s some s**t he’ll say that’s all f***ed up, he said some s**t yesterday that like ‘I don’t think John’s last opponent should be’, and people listen to him because he’s a wrestling fan. And I want to call my dad and be like, ‘What the f**k are you doing?’ But then, like no, he’s doing what he does. This is him. This is the John Cena that I love.

John Cena via The Joe Rogan Experience

Tonight on SmackDown, Cena’s final opponent will finally be decided as LA Knight and Gunther collide in the finals of the Last Time Is Now Tournament. Cena also confirmed that he expects his retirement match to headline the SNME card. 

Apart from that, the show will feature several main roster vs. NXT showcase bouts, a concept that the 17-time champion personally pitched to put a brighter spotlight on WWE’s rising generation. 

Throughout his retirement year, Cena has quietly assembled a legendary victory lap: 17 matches across 11 Premium Live Events and six televised bouts, including the May 24 Saturday Night’s Main Event special.

His farewell journey has placed him across the ring from some of the biggest stars of the modern era, including Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, R-Truth, CM Punk, Logan Paul, Sami Zayn, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, and Dominik Mysterio, a final resume worthy of one of the greatest to ever step foot in a WWE ring.

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