John Cena Names AEW Wrestler He Would Like To See Join WWE

John Cena, WWE

Since AEW rose to prominence as WWE’s primary compeition, both sides have seen wrestlers cross the divide. From Cody Rhodes to Adam Copeland, both AEW and WWE have won some free agent battles.

One of the more notable battles was the one for MJF’s signature. “The Devil” has risen to prominence with AEW and is among the top draws at the company. So, when his contract ran down in 2024, there were rumors that a move to WWE could be on the cards.

Instead, MJF appeared at “Double Or Nothing” on May, 26, 2024, to announce that he’d re-signed with AEW long-term. Still, that doesn’t mean he won’t eventually move to WWE, and if he does, John Cena would likely be the first one to celebrate.

During a recent conversation with Chris Van Vliet, Cena discussed his admiration for MJF and the work he’s doing for AEW.

“Just because you don’t wear the company brand doesn’t mean you’re a bad performer. So this is one of their top performers for AEW,” Cena said. “…I shook his hand. I said, ‘Man, I’m so sorry. Excuse my ignorance.’ I didn’t know what to expect from you today. You are… a class act. I can’t believe you’re as professional as you are. And I, you know, I kind of, maybe we can get you to play for the right team one day…And there’s no denying the fact that he’s doing good work.” 

MJF feels like a prototypical WWE star. He’s fantastic on the mic, can work a crowd, is an exceptional storyteller and is also an elite in-ring performer.

MJF Has Turned The WWE Down On Two Occasions

If rumors are to be believed, MJF certainly had interest from WWE in 2024. A contract was likely discussed at some point. However, that wasn’t the first time the WWE had attempted to sign MJF to a deal.

During a recent discussion with Ross Tucker, MJF revealed that both AEW and WWE produced contract offers when he was 22 years old.

“At the age of 22, WWE came knocking to offer me a contract, and AEW came knocking to offer me a contract,” MJF said. “And I went with All Elite Wrestling because I believe in the mission statement of All Elite Wrestling. It’s where the best are meant to wrestle.”

MJF Would Have Loved To Wrestle John Cena

MJF recently appeared on the “Insight” podcast with Chris Van Vilet. During the conversation, MJF admitted that he missed his opportunity to wrestle Cena, now that he’s retired from the sport.

“John would have been my answer but he’s retired, so I’m gonna say Kevin Steen,” MJF said when discussing dream matches with WWE talent. “I want Kevin Steen, the one that I watched in Ring of Honor. Not saying Kevin Owens isn’t spectacular. Kevin Owens is one of the best wrestlers in the world and it sucks that he’s hurt right now. It kills me. But Kevin Owens can’t exactly say some of the things that Kevin Steen was able to say back in the day. So I want Kevin Steen. That’s a dream match for me.”

Of course, if Cena ever chose to come out of retirement, MJF would likely change his answer. After all, who wouldn’t want to share the ring with the greatest of all time?