On the most recent episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, John Cena was a guest on the show to promote F9, the latest movie in the blockbuster Fast & Furious series of films. Among the topics discussed, we learned of Cena’s confirmation on the rumors regarding a return to the WWE, his feelings on the fans returning to the WWE Universe, and what he has learned from Vince McMahon. Here’s a snippet of the conversation between the two which confirms the anticipated return:
Chris Van Vliet:
“You are always dressed so well every time I see you and I appreciate that because, I think, it’s a sign of respect towards the people that you’re speaking with…when was the last time you wore jean shorts?”
John Cena:
“The last time was… not this WrestleMania, but last WrestleMania. I can tell you this, I very much look forward to wearing jorts again – it’s been… it’s been too long.”
Chris Van Vliet:
“I mean, it’s not a matter of if you’re coming back to WWE, it’s a matter of when?”
John Cena:
“You are absolutely correct!”
Chris Van Vliet:
“And you know, now that live crowds are going to be back in WWE, full arenas, how excited are you for your music to hit, and for you to be out there in front of the WWE Universe?”
John Cena:
“So I’m going to… I’m going to modify the question because I think the question is selfish. I’m excited for the WWE performance. I know how hard it’s been, and I don’t think I could have… Amazingly enough, I don’t think I would have done very well in this atmosphere without an audience, but I also think that this time without an audience has allowed performers like, let’s say, Roman Reigns for example, to un-obstructively mold his character. If you send Roman Reigns from city to city to city, with paying audience after paying audience, there may be some audiences that don’t even care what he wants to say – they just want to boo him or cheer him, or whatever. Without that, especially when developing a character, we’re trying to get your message across, trying to hand some of your business cards. I think Roman Reigns has absolutely needed this time, and he has developed himself, his personality found out who he is. So now, when he goes back to live audiences, they’re not confused. He spent this 15-month block defining who he is and he’s the one that could benefit from this… I think I really would have had a tough time with no audiences. So I, as a performer, and what I enjoy are the performances, I’m happy for the WWE to have crowds again. I really look forward to getting back in front of those crowds, but I’m just happy for everybody that their music can hit and they can feel that genuine excitement that makes all of our hearts beat.”
Chris Van Vliet:
“What have you learned from working with Vince McMahon?”
John Cena:
“That’s another hour and a half special, maybe more… I continue to learn from him every single day. Like, there’s not an instance that goes by where I don’t reflect on my experience from the WWE and what he has taught me, and oftentimes, learning from osmosis it’s not. He doesn’t, like, hit you over the head with the lessons he bestows upon you but, like, you can learn from his decision making. It says a lot about the person and what you can take… that well is endless, and isn’t dried up yet. I continue to learn from him. So, man, I think the most valuable of all the lessons is just show up and deliver. And he, that’s something he doesn’t say – it’s something he does all the f’in time. He’s always there, he’s always invested. People can question his creative motives or whatever they want; it’s creativity, there’s always going to be an opinion. He’s always boots on the ground. He’s always invested, and he always believes and is passionate about the product and I think just showing up and delivering… that’s a… that’s a huge takeaway.”
Summary
It has been rumored for quite some time that John Cena would be returning to WWE for a match against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, which is being held at Allegiant Stadium this year. While not officially announced by WWE, Cena is strongly rumored to return to the company for Friday Night SmackDown on July 16, 2021. This would mark the first time the WWE has had a full crowd in attendance since March of last year. WWE last had a crowd at WrestleMania 37 at Raymond James Stadium, however, this was a partial crowd.
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