John Cena Shuts Down Idea That Backstage Politics Determine Success in WWE

John Cena isn’t buying the idea that success in pro wrestling, especially WWE, is all about backstage politics—and he’s got two decades of top-level experience to back it up.

During his conversation on The Bill Simmons Podcast, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion shut down the notion that the biggest stars in wrestling are made through backdoor deals or personal favors. Cena made it clear: the ring and the fans decide everything.

“I believe sports entertainment is the perfect meritocracy. Because there’s noise. That crowd noise tells the truth. And promoters, whether they like you or not, they hear it.”

Simmons brought up the criticism that followed Hulk Hogan’s death—particularly claims that Hogan didn’t “pay it forward” and protected his spot in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Cena didn’t deny that mindset existed, but explained it as a byproduct of wrestling’s roots.

“Wrestling was a territorial, gangster business—it was cutthroat. If you had something going, you wanted to keep it… Just because wrestling became national, you didn’t take the gangster out of the guy.”

The Leader of Cenation went deeper, taking aim at the old excuse many wrestlers still bring up today.

“There are old stories: ‘I didn’t get the shot because the promoter hated me.’ But if they hear the crowd, they have to give you another chance. And if you get that noise again, you get another chance. And then another. And eventually the office likes you—not because they changed their mind personally, but because the audience left them no choice.”

When it came to his own journey, Cena said he focused on what he could control—work ethic, consistency, and earning the crowd’s reaction.

“My mindset was: let’s go out there, put a mic in my hand, ring the bell, and I’ll be as good as anyone in there. I’ll get the crowd. I’ll be prepared. That’s how I held onto my spot.”

John Cena admitted that being on top tests a performer’s true character, but he never felt threatened by someone coming for his place.

“Give them power, or take it away, and you’ll see their true self. When someone else can do it better than me? Great. It’s your turn.”

Cena also believes the industry has evolved dramatically since he debuted.

“From my perspective—and this might not be everyone’s truth—but I feel like there’s a lot less backstage politics in 2025 than when I started in 2002. I’m not saying it’s gone, but it’s way less.”

And he hopes to inspire the next generation to rethink the entire idea of “holding on to your spot.”

“Maybe I can be the first wrestler who really retires… That’s a new model. Athletes have to ask: do you keep chasing ‘one more’ over and over, or say, ‘I’ve got one great year in me—let’s plan that.’”

Whether you love him or love to hate him, John Cena’s message is clear: show up, win over the crowd, and let the work speak louder than politics.

Do you think John Cena really helped shift pro wrestling away from politics—or are the old systems still in place behind the curtain? Was his rise about merit, timing, or both? Drop your take in the comments and let’s talk.

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