John Cena had an intense rivalry with Dwayne Johnson in WWE, where the two legends went at each other and their legacies in the company. The Cenation Leader, who was a full-time wrestler at the time, lambasted Rock on the mic several times for choosing Hollywood over the squared circle. However, he regretted his comments years later.
At WrestleMania 28 in 2012, The Rock faced the 16-time world champion in what was dubbed a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ bout. Cena, who was at the top of his game at the time, made sure to tell The Brahma Bull how he felt about quitting the ring for a career in Hollywood.
While Johnson won the first bout in 2012, WrestleMania 29 saw the two icons face each other once again. The Ruthless Aggression Era star defeated The Attitude Era legend as both stood with their hands raised at the end of the night.
10 years ago today, John Cena redeemed himself by defeating The Rock at #WrestleMania 29 for the WWE Title pic.twitter.com/98y1WnO1MN
— Joey Karni from The Angle Podcast (@theangleradio) April 7, 2023
Years later, now that John Cena has also forayed into Hollywood, it seems like all the things he said to The Rock have come true for himself. While speaking on the HappySadConfused podcast, the 16-time world champion now finds his comments hypocritical as he thought he was being selfish.
“I got selfish and me living WWE at the point and not having any concept of growth or someone else’s perspective — I took Dwayne’s comments [about the business] as not genuine,” said John Cena. “Like, what a hypocrite I am because I still love WWE and can’t go all the time. And I just didn’t see that. I was so selfish.”
Get ready for an all-new episode of WWE Rivals, featuring @TheRock and @JohnCena tonight at 10/9c only on @AETV! pic.twitter.com/uiH2qpGQVe
— WWE (@WWE) March 5, 2023
Cena also admitted that the issues he had with Dwayne Johnson should have been dealt with privately instead of being put out in the open. The Cenation Leader has since become a household name in acting and has taken on many roles. His latest film, Fast X, was released in theaters on May 19 and also reportedly marks the return of Dwayne Johnson to the franchise.
John Cena and Dwayne Johnson’s next WWE match: Will they ever wrestle again?
WWE legends John Cena and Dwayne Johnson are currently tied with one win apiece in the promotion. In the two matches they had, The Rock got the better of the 16-time world champion in the first instance but lost in their second bout. With John Cena also becoming a part-time wrestler over the past few years, fans would love to see them lock horns one more time. However, that seems unlikely.
Despite heavy rumors that Dwayne Johnson would return to the company for a match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39, that did not turn out to be the case. The Brahma Bull reportedly stated that he would not be able to get in shape for a match. Cena has also recently commented that taking bumps in the ring has become more difficult despite performing at WrestleMania 39.
I love John Cena but I think everyone could tell his #Wrestlemania 39 match with Austin Theory was a match where his heart clearly was not in it.
It didn’t elevate Austin Theory and it didn’t do much to show doubters that Theory is a main event talent.
A wasted opportunity. pic.twitter.com/ktSLy6d4Jl
I love John Cena but I think everyone could tell his #Wrestlemania 39 match with Austin Theory was a match where his heart clearly was not in it.
It didn't elevate Austin Theory and it didn't do much to show doubters that Theory is a main event talent.
A wasted opportunity. pic.twitter.com/ktSLy6d4Jl
— Just Talk Wrestling (@JustTalkWrestle) April 2, 2023
Cena and Johnson, 46 and 51, respectively, are unlikely to be able to make the time and get in shape for one last bout, given their hectic Hollywood schedules. The two men will now seemingly have to make do with settling for a stalemate. Given that they are good friends off-screen, the two legends may not mind shaking hands and calling it a draw.
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