John Cena Discusses the Journey of Cody Rhodes in WWE, Credits Stephanie McMahon as a Fantastic Mentor to Him

During an interview with Denise Salcedo at last night’s WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony, WrestleMania 42 host John Cena discussed the journey of Cody Rhodes in WWE and how Stephanie McMahon was a great mentor to him in his career. Below are some highlights:

John Cena on What Cody Rhodes Has Accomplished

“It’s been great. It’s been great. When, man, I knew Cody when he — the first time I saw him was when he inducted his dad in the Hall of Fame, and his speech was incredible, and immediately it’s like that’s somebody you got to watch. So to see him from that point and to watch his path of development. I’ve seen a lot of talent in my days. I’ve seen a lot of performers, and everybody always comes into the business saying this is what I’ve wanted to do my entire life.

“I think what’s special about Cody is even when he left WWE, people remember his stretch with other companies, but he wrestled everywhere, and he bet on himself. So when someone says, ‘I’ve been wanting to do this my whole life,’ his resume shows it, you know. I really respect — I probably would have made different character choices, but the fact is there’s no right way to do the business, and I think that’s important. It’s a chicken soup business, and everybody is right. I love that he’s had wonderful mentorship from his father on, and he’s taken pieces from everybody, but he’s written his own book, and that’s really cool to see. I love that.”

Cena on What Stephanie McMahon Means to His Career

“Fired. Yes. Without Steph legit, I’m fired. She was — I tell the story of like someone from Creative was sitting in the front of the bus. It was her, and she asked me to rap for her, and I did, and she gave me another chance, and I’m not only that wasn’t the end of our relationship. Stephanie’s been a fantastic mentor to me and kept me in check. She’s like — she’s like the bumpers that keep the ball from going in the gutter, and she can stop by with like a word of wisdom, and it’s right when I need to hear it and right what needs to be said, and man, I’m forever grateful for that.”

Cody Rhodes faces off against Randy Orton for the WWE Title later tonight at WrestleMania 42: Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Also, Stephanie McMahon was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at last night’s ceremony, notably thanking her father, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, during her induction speech.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Denise Salcedo, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.