John Cena On His Heel Turn, Farewell Tour, The Rock, Fav Matches, 17th Championship, Brock Lesnar

15 snips

Dec 9, 2025

John Cena, the legendary professional wrestler and actor, shares insights into his Farewell Tour, which he meticulously planned over three years. He opens up about his controversial heel turn and the storytelling behind it, reflecting on the emotional weight of his significant 17th championship win. Cena recounts memorable matches, including his love letter to wrestling with AJ Styles and why his match with Brock Lesnar was so brief. He also discusses the impact of marriage on his life and his desire to elevate new talents as he steps away from wrestling.

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INSIGHT

Farewell Tour As A Launchpad

John Cena framed his farewell tour as a look ahead, not just a tribute, aiming to spotlight future stars.
He used Peacock/Netflix to give closure while promoting WWE's next generation.

ADVICE

Bet On Yourself To Get Creative Buy-In

Cena negotiated by betting on himself and offering creative flexibility to WWE and TKO.
He invested personally (including insurance) to make the retirement tour viable.

INSIGHT

Criticism Fuels Conversation

Cena embraced public criticism as part of the business that drives conversation and attention.
He distinguishes criticism of the character from criticism of him personally.

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John Cena (@JohnCena) is a professional wrestler and actor signed to WWE. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet at West Coast Creative Studio in Hollywood, CA to discuss the last match of his legendary career, planning his Farewell Tour for 3 years, turning heel and the criticism from fans, what winning a 17th WWE Championship meant to him, becoming the Intercontinental Champion, why his match with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza was so short, his love letter to wrestling with his match against AJ Styles, wrestling Dominik Mysterio in 3 of his last 4 matches, who he feels is his wrestling soulmate, and more!

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