John Cena’s 26-year wrestling journey is coming to a close tonight with the main event of WWE Saturday Night. Despite having an illustrious career filled with numerous achievements and unforgettable moments, Cena has revealed some regrets. In an interview with Bill Simmons, Cena reflected on his first year in WWE, confessing that his initial portrayal of “ruthless aggression” almost cost him his job.
He recalled his debut match against Kurt Angle on WWE SmackDown, where despite a solid performance, it was his reaction to the loss and a backstage segment with The Undertaker that missed the mark. Cena admitted his portrayal wasn’t truly ruthless or aggressive, and although the company had given him a golden opportunity, he failed to capitalize on it. This nearly led to his release a year later when WWE considered letting him go due to his struggle in finding a compelling on-screen persona.
Thankfully, Stephanie McMahon heard Cena rapping on the tour bus and was so impressed that WWE created the “Dr. Tuganomics” character for him, paving the way for his legendary career.
Fan Take: This revelation from John Cena highlights the tough, often unseen battles wrestlers face behind the scenes, showing that even the biggest stars endure setbacks. For WWE fans, it’s a powerful reminder that perseverance and creative reinvention are key to success in the sport, inspiring current and future wrestlers alike.
