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Global politics in the last few decades have been largely focused on China’s emergence as a superpower, especially from the late 20th century onwards. Tensions have heightened due to issues surrounding Taiwan, where remnants of the Chinese Republic relocated after the civil war. Since their recognition by the UN in 1971, the Republic of China has acknowledged the sovereignty of the Chinese Communist Party over the mainland, but the CCP maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, often threatening to invade. This tension intensified following the UK’s handover of Hong Kong to China in 1999.
Many American companies, including the NBA and Hollywood studios, face challenges when it comes to recognizing Taiwan’s independence due to their business ties with China. This situation puts pressure on executives and celebrities, including WWE’s John Cena, who have had to navigate the complicated political landscape regarding Taiwan.
One Misstep
John Cena has long been a goodwill ambassador for WWE, especially during the company’s attempts to expand globally into markets like China. Although WWE didn’t achieve the desired foothold in China, Cena’s efforts, including promoting Mandarin and endorsing Chinese products, helped cement his brand there.
In 2021, while promoting “Fast and Furious 9,” which premiered in Taiwan, Cena referred to Taiwan as “the first country” to view the film during an interview. This seemingly innocuous comment led to backlash from the Chinese government, since recognizing Taiwan as a country challenges their claims. Given Hollywood’s reliance on the Chinese market for blockbuster releases, this misstep prompted Cena to quickly apologize on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform.
He expressed, “I love and respect China and the Chinese people. I am extremely sorry for the mistake.” The remark drew mixed reactions across the spectrum in China, and “Fast and Furious 9” ultimately performed well there, grossing over $216 million compared to its lesser earnings in the U.S.
Fan Take: This story highlights the intersection of sports entertainment and global politics, showing how even prominent figures like John Cena must tread carefully in their comments regarding sensitive issues like Taiwan. Such incidents can shape public perceptions of wrestlers and the WWE brand, influencing how fans engage with the sport on a global scale.
