John Cena Says Things Are Still Being Worked Out for the John Cena Classic, Likes That ‘It’s a Work In Progress’

During a recent interview with Adam’s Apple, the now-retired former WWE Champion John Cena discussed the John Cena Classic. Cena acknowledged that details are still being worked out on the tournament, but he said that he likes that it’s “a work in progress.” Below are some highlights:

His Thoughts on the John Cena Classic

“Oh my god, I’m super excited. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time and, again, we’re still working things out, and I like that. I like that it’s a work in progress, but this is absolutely from me. I can’t tell you how excited I am about it. I am fully invested in this. So, I can’t wait to see what it is. I can’t wait till we announce the date and location. And I think that’s obviously step one, and we’ll go from there.”

On Turning His Radar Off for Up-and-Coming Stars

“Here’s an interesting perspective. Great question, right? I try to shut my radar off because I wasn’t on anybody’s radar, and I managed to have a wonderful career. Guys like CM Punk and even like Seth Rollins might not necessarily be on somebody’s radar. Becky Lynch is a story about someone who was not necessarily on somebody’s radar and made someone. You know, there are sure shots. Brock Lesnar was born to do what we do. I think Joe Anoa’i, Roman Reigns, is another one who is — I like turning the radar off, and I like seeing what people can do. I like seeing potential when the bright
lights are on, and maybe that’s like the nucleus of the John Cena Classic. It’s how I got my start.”

Cena on the Polarizing Reaction to His Retirement Match

“So, as somebody, you know, I think we’re all just living in the moment, right? I think this is just my perspective, and if people were upset, that’s their right. Of course, you can feel how you want to feel. I had a career that was uh polarizing, right? That’s a word Michael Cole uses a lot. That was a polite word for people who would chant at the top of their lungs that I suck. So, I think with the last match, the audience was polarized. There were people who understood and were entertained in a positive way. There were people who were so in the moment and reacted with such passion. It was like a microcosm of my career. The audience was split. I can’t think of a better way to close a chapter than that. That defines what I did.”

The John Cena classic will feature NXT talents taking on Superstars from the main roster. WWE has not yet announced the details on when the tournament will kick off. The winner of the tournament will be awarded the John Cena Classic Championship.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Adam’s Apple, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.