When it comes to WWE icons, John Cena stands tall as one of the most beloved and charismatic superstars in the company’s history. Over the past two decades, Cena has earned the adoration of fans worldwide for his incredible entertainment value, his positive attitude, and, above all, his unwavering confidence. However, Cena, reflecting on his storied career, now finds himself admitting a touch of jealousy towards a younger star who exudes a confidence that he wishes he had possessed during his early years in the WWE.
The superstar in question has been playfully poking fun at Cena ever since the latter’s return to WWE, and their interactions have not gone unnoticed by the WWE Universe.
Cena, the ever-gracious legend, acknowledges that he wishes he had the same level of “swagger” that this emerging star possesses.
To appreciate Cena’s longing for this newfound confidence, we must journey back to 2002. It was a time when Cena made his WWE debut in unforgettable fashion, responding to Kurt Angle’s open challenge. Angle, in his ignorance, famously asked, “Who in the hell are you?” The response Cena received in 2023 would be quite different from the silence that filled the arena back then.
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Cena, in a moment etched in WWE history, declared that he possessed “ruthless aggression” and boldly slapped Kurt Angle in the face. Although Cena may have lost that night, his debut remains a cherished memory for fans. Now, nearly two decades later, Cena openly admits that he may not have had as much ruthless aggression as he proclaimed.
This revelation stems from Cena’s admiration for his current arch-nemesis, Grayson Waller. Waller has made a name for himself by relentlessly taunting Cena, and his on-camera confidence has not gone unnoticed. Cena, during an appearance on WWE’s “The Bump,” spoke highly of Waller’s swagger and confessed that he wishes he had possessed such confidence during his debut.
Cena remarked, “I like to see somebody coming with confidence. Looking back at my existence, I wish I had more confidence. I wish I had Grayson Waller’s swagger back in 2002 when I slapped Kurt Angle. Instead, I timidly shook The Undertaker’s hand when I should have slapped him too. But, like, I didn’t have that ruthless aggression. He’s got it, and I admire that.”
Despite Cena’s acknowledgment of Waller’s confidence, he also noted that Waller has much to learn in his wrestling journey. Cena believes that Waller possesses the essential first ingredient: belief in himself. The rest, Cena suggests, Waller will discover with time.
As John Cena reflects on his illustrious career and the evolution of WWE, he finds himself appreciating the boldness and swagger of Grayson Waller, a trait he wishes he had embraced during his own debut.
