John Cena sat down for an interview with Sports Illustrated this week. SI.com reported this interview on their website.
SI.com: So many people have asked you to turn heel. You just visited children at a Make-A-Wish luncheon in Orlando during WrestleMania weekend and the children were ecstatic to see you. Does that provide you with more justification to remain your current character?
Cena: I donāt think everyone wants me to turn. There is a group of people that donāt like what they see, but the most important message I send is you canāt please everybody, never be ashamed to be who you are, and know that what you do affects people.Ā I look at it as a way to provide hope for families that donāt go through what we consider a normal day by providing a smile and happiness. I look at WWE as a vehicle to provide an escape and happiness. Thatās why Iām here every year, I believe in what we do.
SI.com: You last headlined a WrestleMania in 2013. As a competitor, is part of your drive to headline WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans?
Cena: I look at any time I step on that ramp as the headline.
SI.com: The promos with The Miz, Maryse, and Nikki Bella leading up toĀ WrestleMania 33Ā were appointment viewing. Were you happy with the way the program played out? Or was it too real to enjoy?
Cena: I canāt believe I have hair left. At times, itās trying to have someone throw your real life out there. Everybody comes at me, so Iām used to it, but itās a first for Nicole. They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and I can attest to that. Iāve had to be on the receiving end of some upset nights, but I cannot stress to you enough how it shows her character and resolve. I tell everyone who will listen, Nicole is the strongest, most inspiring person Iāve ever met. Thatās why I love her.Ā Iāve headlined with The Rock and Iāve been a part of a lot of WrestleMania moments, but this moment with Nicole is the one most important of all because I get to stand alongside her in a WrestleMania ring. All of that is because of her story. She drives me, she inspires me. We learn from each other every day. On top of that, Iām head over heels for her. And she loves this business just as much as I do, so itās special.
Cena: The best celebrities or pro athletes are the ones who show up embracing everything. I distinctly remember when Hugh Jackman showed up and he was awesome because he viewed it as awesome. His lasting impression on what he did and how enthusiastic he was, that was great. Anyone like that. When a person shows up to WWE and says, āI want to be part of this crazy thing thatās about to happen,ā it always leads to memorable moments. If anyone shows up too cool for school, well, then all right. We have a world watching us, and it is such a wonderful world to be a part of.
SI.com: WWE has allowed you so many opportunities, including current movie roles that have taken you away fromĀ Smackdown Live. How grateful are you for those opportunities? And what are your goals outside of the ring?
Cena: Thatās all really good stuff, but it doesnāt happen without this. Iām at the point where I wouldnāt do anything that Iām not interested or invested in. I really think itās awesome that WWE has someone who can host a morning show by day and be onĀ Smackdown LiveĀ at night. There are a lot of folks in WWE that are tremendously talented, and hopefully I can be one of the few vehicles that gets more opportunities for some of those superstars other than myself. Itās really cool to be able to do, but Iām not doing anything because I have to, Iām doing it because I want to.