16-time WWE World Champion John Cena was recently interviewed by The Wrap to discuss several professional wrestling topics. During the interview, Cena discussed his new hosting gig for “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader,” joining the Fast & Furious movie franchise, and no longer being a regular fixture in WWE.
Here are the highlights:
Hosting “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader”:
On the original show, a lot of the stress was placed on the contestants’ shoulders. It was dramatic in terms of ‘will they win the big prize or not?’ There’s still big prize money — this is the biggest Nickelodeon has ever given away — but the show is about the kids. We have more kids and we’re not afraid to showcase their talents.
The show is about creating a fun environment to see who they really are, and in the process, we really learn a few things and have fun. The adults can win up to $100,000 if they ace the fifth grade, which is very, very difficult. It is still a game show but even when the contestants reach a struggling point, everyone on the show has a great time.”
No longer being a regular fixture in WWE:
It doesn’t mean that my heart doesn’t lie with WWE, I’ve often said that if I’m doing something like this then it’s impossible to do something like that. I’m older now, I just turned 42. I watch WWE on a regular basis and the talent is getting faster and more precise, and I’ve always been referred to as ‘unorthodox’ so I’m not exactly the most precise. They don’t need me, I am grateful for everyone who says ‘we miss you,’ and there was a time when I could genuinely say from a financial standpoint that they needed me, that time is up.
Joining Fast & Furious:
It is a tremendous, globally-successful franchise … it has been built around cars, which I love. I would be put around people that are better than me … I could really be a sponge and it’s a huge opportunity for growth. I always say that if you’re the smartest guy in the room then you’re in the wrong room. I would really love the chance and I promise that if I do get the chance, I will do my best.
