John Cena‘s feud with The Rock for WrestleMania 28 was as personal as it was professional. The pair didn’t like each other, but kept it professional because that was what’s best for business.
The rivalry saw Cena refer to The Rock as a sell-out for leaving WWE for Hollywood. The duo have since reconciled their differences, with the 16-time World Champion going on record about how he realized he was in the wrong about Dwayne Johnson’s professional endeavors.
Speaking at the Fastlane press conference, John Cena told Michael McMasters of WUOnline.net he wanted The Rock back in WWE, but admitted he “did it the wrong way” – noting that the realization came after he pretty much took the same path to Hollywood.
“I 100% see and understand that perspective,” Cena said. “If you’ve been following what I’ve tried to do, especially as of late, publicly and personally to Dwayne Johnson, I’ve stated that although I thought I was trying to do what’s best for business, I went about it the wrong way. I violated his trust and I made allegations about his perspective that I knew nothing about.
“And deep down, I was a fan. I wanted The Rock back. I wanted to do anything to get The Rock back. But I did it the wrong way. I didn’t do it the respectful way, so I had to eat a little bit of crow. I had to say ‘I’m sorry and I was wrong,’ because I am sorry and I was wrong, and that’s a very humbling experience.” (H/T Wrestling Inc)
John Cena welcomed The Rock back to WWE
The Rock made his shocking return to WWE on the September 15 episode of SmackDown. The Great One went back and forth with Austin Theory on the mic before taking him out with his patented People’s Elbow.
Backstage, the Great One was welcomed “home” by the Cenation leader as the pair shook hands and shared a hug to a huge ovation from the WWE Universe.
Cena will next be seen in action on the October 13 episode of SmackDown, where he’s rumored to confront Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns ahead of Crown Jewel 2023.
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