John Cena, the face of WWE for over two decades, is widely regarded as one of the most decorated superstars in professional wrestling history. With a record-tying 16 world championships under his belt, Cena has not only dominated the ring but also captured the hearts of millions. Known for his unmatched charisma, Cena has been a cornerstone of WWE, headlining countless pay-per-view events and delivering unforgettable moments. However, Cena surprised the WWE Universe with an emotional announcement at last year’s Money in the Bank, declaring his intention to retire in 2025. This year’s Royal Rumble and WrestleMania will mark his final WWE appearances, as he prepares to bid farewell to the squared circle.
On his retirement tour, Cena continues to enchant fans, both in the ring and beyond. Recently, he made headlines for spearheading WWE’s Netflix debut, captivating audiences with his electrifying presence. Despite being celebrated as one of the greatest performers in WWE history, Cena humbly credits another legend as the ultimate in-ring performer. This revelation, however, wasn’t just a passing remark, it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of an icon who, in Cena’s eyes, embodies the essence of wrestling perfection.
"He takes care of all the loose ends" – John Cena
During a recent interview with WWE Vault, Cena opened up about his admiration for WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. Reflecting on their iconic 55-minute match in London back in 2007, Cena expressed deep respect for Michaels’ unparalleled storytelling ability.
“When you are lucky enough to be in there with Shawn Michaels, you just have to do what you’re supposed to do, but he takes care of everything else … all the loose ends,” Cena stated.
He further praised Michaels, saying, “Shawn is such a good storyteller. Wins, losses, it’s a chance to be on the stage. I got to soak up the wisdom of one of the greatest in-ring performers for an hour. It was really something.” Cena’s acknowledgment of Michaels cements the latter’s legacy as a wrestling maestro who inspired generations.
As Cena’s career winds down, his admiration for Michaels adds yet another layer to the rich tapestry of WWE’s history, uniting two of its greatest icons in mutual respect.