Amid the fanfare and criticism surrounding his announcement at WWE Backlash, John Cena has been very positive about his upcoming classic tournament later this year.
Speaking on Adam’s Apple in New York, The GOAT was asked about the John Cena Classic and if he’s “turning off” his radar in terms of looking at talent. Cena explained that he has to “turn it off” because not everybody is built to be a WWE Superstar.
“I try to shut my radar off because I wasn’t on anybody’s radar, and I managed to have a wonderful career,” Cena said, via PW Mania. “Guys like CM Punk and even like Seth Rollins might not necessarily be on somebody’s radar. Becky Lynch is a story about someone who was not necessarily on somebody’s radar and made someone.”
Cena then mentioned Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns as “sure shots” because they were born to be huge in pro wrestling and sports entertainment.
“There are sure shots. Brock Lesnar was born to do what we do,” Cena said. “I think Joe Anoa’i, Roman Reigns, is another one who is — I like turning the radar off, and I like seeing what people can do. I like seeing potential when the bright lights are on, and maybe that’s like the nucleus of the John Cena Classic. It’s how I got my start.”
Cena and WWE are still ironing out the details of the John Cena Classic. The 17-time WWE World Champion is excited amid criticism about the format and concept. He assured fans that he’s very hands-on with the idea and can’t wait to make the tournament official.
John Cena Responds to Criticism of His Announcement
Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, John Cena was asked about the negativity surrounding the John Cena Classic, especially the fans being able to vote on the champion.
“I’m trying to do something new,” Cena said. “WWE is trying to do something new. That’s going to come with praise and critique. As one of the most polarizing figures in WWE over the past 23 years, man, it wouldn’t be normal if there weren’t folks cheering and folks that weren’t.”
Cena retired from being an active in-ring performer on December 13 after losing to Gunther. He remained with WWE and signed a contract to become the company’s ambassador. He has since returned at WrestleMania 42 and Backlash.
Where’s Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar Now?
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are two of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. They are also “sure shots” because they were able to generate a lot of eyes on the product.
Reigns is arguably the most polarizing WWE Superstar in history, but his recent run as The Tribal Chief turned him into a legendary figure. He’s currently in a feud with Jacob Fatu, who has had his number despite losing at Backlash.
Fatu took out Reigns, as well as The Usos, last Monday on WWE Raw.
Lesnar, on the other hand, is one of WWE’s biggest crossover stars. He added legitimacy since he was a UFC Heavyweight Champion. He retired at WrestleMania 42 after losing to Oba Femi.
John Cena Gives Massive Praise to Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns