WWE Superstar John Cena was recently interviewed by WSVN-TV out of Miami to promote the upcoming second season of his reality series American Grit. The 16-time world champion discussed his proposal to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33, the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s reaction to his record-tying title win, passing the torch to a new generation of Superstars and more. You can check out the complete interview with Cena at the bottom of the article, and we’ve got highlights from the conversation down below.
Did he wrestle the entire match at WrestleMania 33 with the engagement ring in his pocket:
“There are some secrets that should be kept secret my friend. That one’s for me to know. I like the fact that a lot of folks ask me where I kept the ring. I know where I kept it and I think that’s a secret I’ll keep with me.”
What we can expect from his WWE return on July 4th:
“I just want to get back in the fray. I think it’s a wonderful time to be a fan, to be a member of our WWE Universe. The rosters on both sides, SmackDown Live and Monday Night Raw, is packed with very capable, unbelievable superstars and I’m just waiting to get back into the mix and try to prove my worth once again.”
His interaction with Ric Flair immediately after tying his record at the Royal Rumble:
“I have a longstanding friendship with Ric Flair. He’s been a mentor to me over the years. It was very important to me that he was there for me that night. He was nothing but encouraging, so honorable and so inspirational. He’s a wonderful guy and a lot of fun and I’m really happy that he was there. It was a great moment for all of us.”
How many more title runs does he think he has left?
“I truly don’t look at it like that. I just want to be able to be able to perform at an elite level. I know that at 40 years old and 15 years in the WWE now it’s been a long journey, longer than most. I have to find my grit every day to keep working hard to keep up with all of these young, strong guys. It truly is a young man’s game but I feel really good. I look forward to July 4th and I think everybody will see that I haven’t lost a step yet.”
Who should John Cena pass the torch to?
“I think it’s been passed without me. There’s a lot of folks who are currently doing a lot of damage on the roster. The show is thriving in my absence. I think it’s extremely competitive. I did win the 16th Championship at the Rumble but I was unfortunate in my first defense at Elimination Chamber and before that I hadn’t really been in the Championship picture for a while. I think the company is moving on quite well. I don’t know if there needs to be a formal anointment but they’re really doing well without me.”
