10 Things John Cena STILL Can’t Actually Do
2. Stay True To Anything
'RISE ABOVE HATE'.
'HUSTLE. LOYALTY. RESPECT'.
'NEVER GIVE UP.'
Commandments and mission statements alike, the above four slogans (and others) have been slapped across John Cena's vast array of t-shirts over the years as symbols of his unending commitment to a mythical cause. Presented by WWE (and himself) as a reason why turning him heel would be a complete disaster for the gimmick he's preserved. But the mask has slipped.
Cena framed his mistrust of The Rock back in 2011 around 'The Great One's decision to leave the company for Hollywood when the going got good. It is a path he has now flung himself down with vigour, returning to the company only during their biggest and brightest occasions.
Cena waxed lyrical about his want to be a husband and father alongside Nikki Bella following their public proposal and even-more-public wedding planning during the most recent season of Total Bellas. Then the couple split, right before the start of the new series. And reconciled as ratings sagged then soared for their likely reunion.
Cena promised not to be like many other top-level talents that came before him and step aside when the time he was right. He was clever in how he addressed this - the lucky few had to be ready in his eyes to make the leap - but he wasn't going to be one to put a thumb on the heads of those below when his best days departed. Wasn't he?