UFC legend asserts John Cena made WWE's transition to PG content possible: "It never would have worked"
UFC legend Daniel Cormier opened up about John Cena's retirement and heaped praise on his impact on WWE programming. There have been many in the MMA community who are fans of both entities and expressed their gratitude to the pro wrestling superstar-turned-actor.
Cena made a surprise appearance at WWE Money In The Bank this past Saturday, where he announced that he will be retiring from in-ring competition at the end of 2025 following a year-long farewell tour. He has also made it known that he will not be taking part in any physical angles when he eventually makes appearances following his retirement from the ring.
During a recent episode of ESPN's Good Guy / Bad Guy, UFC legend Daniel Cormier credited the WWE superstar for the company's successful transition to PG programming. 'DC' mentioned that Cena played a significant role as the company began producing more family-oriented content rather than edgier content for young adults. He said:
"He's [Cena] a guy that loves the business that loved him and gave him his life. And I believe that when he's done, it will be a blow to their [WWE's] business because he's meant so much.
"Hey, in that PG era, Chael, when they went from risque to family, it never would have worked if they didn't have John Cena. That's how important he was." [38:39 - 39:02]
Check out the full episode of ESPN's Good Guy / Bad Guy below:
UFC legend Chael Sonnen praises John Cena's philanthropic work
Chael Sonnen also chimed in and heaped praise on John Cena's excellent philanthropic work throughout his WWE career.
During the aforementioned episode, Sonnen mentioned that Cena should be commended for his work with Make A Wish despite his other commitments. He said:
"Make A Wish, that foundation that will go into hospitals and have sick kids and they would give them a wish. And largely that is to meet somebody famous.
"John Cena has won the award from them nine years in a row for the most wishes and the most time that he puts in, and for a guy that travels in front of our face as much as he does, to still book that and still keep that schedule, that guy is something special." [36:30 - 36:52]
Check out Cena's retirement announcement below: