Former WWE writer opens up on John Cena never winning the Intercontinental Championship
Not only did John Cena return at Money in the Bank, but he also dropped a bombshell, confirming that 2025 will be his final year as an active wrestler. While looking back at his career, Freddie Prinze Jr. spoke about why Cena hasn't won the Intercontinental Championship in WWE yet.
The first-ballot WWE Hall of Famer has won it all, barring the IC title. He is a 16-time World Champion, a five-time US Champion, and a multi-time holder of tag team belts. Cena also won the Money in the Bank and Royal Rumble matches, while also headlining multiple WrestleMania events during his prime.
During the latest episode of Wrestling with Freddie, the former WWE writer listed Cena's accomplishments and noted that The Cenation Leader was never given what was perceived as the workhorse's belt, the Intercontinental Championship.
Prinze Jr., who was on WWE's creative team many years ago, felt that the company never had the time to wrap the IC title around Cena's waist as the superstar had to be "rocket-shipped" into the World Title picture.
Cena's US Title victory early on in his career acted as the launchpad, and while he won the belt again later, the IC Championship is still missing from his enviable resume:
"A five-time United States Champion. Mid-card, but prestigous, just the same. Not the Intercontinental, though, the Intercontinental one is usually reserved for the workhorses. John Cena, when I was there, was the workhorse. So, I don't know why he never won the IC Championship. Maybe he just got rocket-shipped after he got over, and there was no time for the IC title. It was straight for the WWE Championship," stated Freddie Prinze Jr. [From 06:03 to 0]
Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. on whether John Cena will stay retired
It has happened way too many times in pro wrestling, where veterans of the business return to the square circle years after retirement. John Cena still has several matches to wrestle in as part of a highly anticipated retirement tour. Still, there is always a possibility that he will make an in-ring comeback in the distant future.
CM Punk even recently joked that he would be the one who forces Cena to step out of retirement. However, Freddie Prinze Jr. doesn't think that might happen. According to Freddie, Cena's retirement will be final, and he even made a hilarious reference, mentioning the iconic Barbra Streisand:
"Unlike Barbra Streisand, I believe this would be the actual, final retirement tour," he added. [From 05:26 to 05:32]
John Cena has inarguably had one of the most outstanding professional wrestling careers ever.
While using any quotes from this article, please credit Wrestling with Freddie and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.