MJF Addresses Never Getting a Match With John Cena

For all of MJF’s accomplishments, there’s one match he already knows will never be checked off his list—and it’s one that clearly still sticks with him.

During his appearance on Mostly Sports, MJF was asked directly whether it bothers him that he’ll never share a ring with John Cena. Unlike most of the interview, this wasn’t bravado or trash talk. It was one of the more straightforward answers he gave all day. When the question came up, MJF didn’t hesitate:

“Yes, absolutely. I think that there is a different world where that match would have happened. Unfortunately, it’s not this one.”

MJF then explained that the disappointment isn’t rooted in storyline fantasy, but in reality. Timing, company lines, and Cena’s transition away from full-time wrestling have all but closed the door on the possibility. Still, MJF made it clear there’s no bitterness toward Cena—only respect.

“I’ve had so many incredible run-ins with John where we’ve shot the s**t. He’s an incredible guy. He watches our product. He’s seen my stuff. He was very complimentary.”

“Obviously, I’m super complimentary to him.”

The conversation then shifted to why that missed opportunity matters so much. MJF admitted Cena wasn’t just a peer—he was the wrestler who inspired him long before he ever stepped into a ring.

“I’ve said it before in other interviews, but before CM Punk, my favorite wrestler growing up as a kid was John Cena.”

That admiration wasn’t abstract either. MJF painted a vivid picture of what that fandom looked like.

“He was a fathead on my wall in my bedroom. So I’d wake up, salute the OG, and then get ready for school.”

When the host joked about how that visual landed, MJF clarified, “It’s not weird when you’re seven.” For someone who has built his reputation on ego and control, this was a rare acknowledgment of something he can’t force into existence. No promo, no title reign, no leverage changes the reality that MJF vs. John Cena will never happen. And that might be the one win he’ll never get.

Do you think MJF vs. John Cena would’ve lived up to the hype if it ever happened, or is it better left as a “what if”? Let us know what you think and drop your thoughts in the comments.

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