John Cena allegedly did not want former WWE writer in the company
At this year's Money in the Bank, legendary WWE Superstar John Cena announced his retirement from pro wrestling and will be on a farewell tour throughout 2025. Ahead of his final run, a former WWE writer claimed that The Franchise Player initially wasn't thrilled about his presence in the Stamford-based promotion back in the day.
The name in question is Freddie Prinze Jr. who worked with the World Wrestling Entertainment as a member of the creative from 2008 to 2009 and then from late 2010 to 2012.
Speaking on his latest edition of the Wrestling with Freddie podcast, the Hollywood actor reflected on his history with John Cena when he was at the peak of being the face of WWE. Prinze Jr. recalled that when he first met The Cenation Leader and offered a handshake, the latter did not acknowledge him.
"When I got there he [John Cena] did not want me there at all. And I remember the first time I met him, I was super polite, put my hand out to shake his hand, he walked right past and didn't even like, acknowledge me. And I think somebody said something because a few minutes later he came up and he goes, 'Hey I'm John,' and he put his hand out and I shook his hand and I go, 'Hey, I'm Freddie. Nice to meet you,' and he goes, 'Oh, I guess they'll just let anybody work here,' or word to that effect. I'm not quoting the man," he said. [9:50 - 10:15]
The former WWE writer further explained that Cena wasn't aware of how big a wrestling fan he had been. The Franchise Player seemed to view Freddie Prinze Jr. as someone who would mix up Hollywood with the wrestling business.
Listen to the full episode below:
Wrestling journalist says John Cena winning another WWE World Championship before retiring could be fascinating
The Cenation Leader has 16 World Championships in WWE in his two-decade-long career. The 47-year-old currently ties with Ric Flair's iconic record.
Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio stated that John Cena becoming a 17-time World Title holder before hanging his boots would be interesting.
"It will be interesting if they try to have him [John Cena] go for 17. I don't know if he's gonna go for it but just the way he talked and everything, it wouldn't shock me," he said.
The WWE Universe has already started speculating that The Cenation Leader's final opponent should be Randy Orton. It remains to be seen The Viper and Cena go head-to-head at next year's WrestleMania for one last time.