John Cena recently spoke with NJ.com to promote WrestleMania 29. Check out the highlights:
On the biggest misconception about WWE: “People don’t expect the show that we put on. … There’s so many new opportunities with every single show. We keep expanding our fan base. New people are tuning in and they truly understand what we’re about.”
On the biggest misconception about WWE fans: “It’s really people who are totally ingrained into what we do. If you watch any episode of “Raw” or “SmackDown,” there’s no limits to our audience. … We really have everyone coming to the events.”
On wrestling being removed from the Olympics: “I think it’s horrible. I’m a big fan of the Olympics and what it stands for. … (It’s) one of the cornerstones of the games. … It’s a sad day.”
On his favorite film role: “(Being the) father of Fred Figglehorn in the “Fred” movies. I had such a fun time with that. The director let me be out of control and crazy.”
On what rappers he would like to collaborate with if he could: “Jay-Z. I like a lot of the groups out there right now, but he’s stood the test of time. A gifted artist and a true entrepreneur. I think there’s only one out there.”
On Paul Bearer: “Paul Bearer was very influential in the early stages of my career. He constantly hounded me and I just think he realized the potential that was there. He convinced me that I was in the right place and doing the right thing.”
On his favorite Rock movie: “Rundown. Only because that was where he was at his best. … He has truly metamorphosized into a bona fide superstar. It will be his pleasure to lose to me in WrestleMania.”
On his dream match: “Dwayne Johnson, April 7. Honestly. There’s so many names in the history of the WWE. He is the one to literally transcend them all. It doesn’t get bigger than that. We’ve got the biggest, best stadium to do it in.”
On how he would have fared against Andre the Giant: “Andre is a true legend in WWE. I think if he liked me, I would have fared well; if he did not like me, I would not have fared so well.”
On when he’ll retire: “I’ll be 36 April 23. I do actually, all the time. The more I get into the 30s, the more I convince myself I can’t keep up with everyone here. I’m not there yet. I’m literally as strong as I’ve ever been.”
On how he defines his generation of wrestling: “It’s a complete about-face from the generation before me. Before, it was, how far can we go, how shocking can we be. … As the company evolves — and I choose to evolve with it — we’re just in a different place. … I’m thriving in this new environment. The product itself is more accessible — you can enjoy it with your children. That has opened up just so many avenues for us.”
