John Cena’s retirement feels increasingly real as his farewell tour progresses. Widely recognized as one of the greatest wrestlers in professional wrestling history, Cena reflected on his memorable career highlights during a Vanity Fair interview, including his iconic, “once in a lifetime” match against The Rock at WrestleMania 28.
Cena described the buildup to that event as an extraordinary journey, marked by live moments that blurred the lines between entertainment and reality. He emphasized how WWE’s unique blend of sports entertainment creates moments that feel genuinely intense, noting that the rivalry with The Rock involved real animosity that went beyond scripted drama. Leading up to WrestleMania, Cena and The Rock’s weekly confrontations on WWE Raw were fueled by genuine hostility, though Cena later regretted some of the intensity and apologized.
Cena also revealed how he used insider knowledge from his friend Locke, who helped him prepare his promos by pointing out The Rock’s vulnerabilities. Recounting the impact the WrestleMania 28 match had behind the scenes, Cena recalled that Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) eventually recognized Cena’s serious approach, which polarized the locker room and even upset some close friends. Cena questioned how well they could have worked together given the strong feelings involved.
Fan Take: This reflection on Cena’s legendary WrestleMania 28 match highlights the emotional and real conflict behind the spectacle, showing fans the depth of dedication and passion wrestlers bring to the sport. It reminds WWE enthusiasts why such rivalries resonate so powerfully, underscoring the blend of drama and authenticity that keeps the wrestling world captivating.
