John Cena’s Theme Song Producer Says They’ve Never Met

John Cena’s entrance theme “The Time Is Now” is one of the most iconic walkout songs in wrestling history—but it turns out the man behind the beat has never even met Cena face to face.

In a new interview with ESPN, producer Jacob Dutton—also known as Jake One—dropped the surprising detail while reflecting on Cena’s 2005 rap album You Can’t See Me, which spawned the now-legendary track.

“I have never met John Cena in person, and I haven’t talked to him since he bought the beat,” Dutton admitted.

Despite the track becoming a wrestling anthem and racking up millions of streams over nearly two decades, the producer says he’s had zero direct contact with Cena since the original business deal. And while there’s no hard feelings, he thinks some official recognition is long overdue.

“That’s OK, but I would like WWE to get me a plaque or something because that song has to be platinum by now.”

Dutton’s comments points out just how detached behind-the-scenes music production can be, even when the end result becomes embedded in pop culture. The Time Is Now debuted on WWE television on March 17, 2005, during Cena’s SmackDown run, and it has remained untouched ever since—a rarity in wrestling where theme songs are often recycled or updated.

The track’s success speaks for itself, but it also shows how transactional and distant the music-for-hire world can be—even in an industry as personal as pro wrestling.

Should WWE officially recognize Jake One’s contribution to Cena’s legacy? And can you believe one of the most recognizable songs in wrestling history came from two people who never even met? Drop your thoughts below.