The John Cena Interview - IMPAULSIVE EP. 407

Insights from John Cena on Life and Social Media

The Fast and Furious Family vs. Barbie

• John Cena expresses his admiration for the Fast and Furious franchise while humorously wishing to be part of the Barbie movie.

• He mentions learning Mandarin, attributing it to a free language program offered by WWE.

Traffic Jam Anecdote

• Cena shares a light-hearted moment about being stuck in traffic, referencing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's return.

• He emphasizes the importance of genuine interactions over formalities, indicating that he prefers personal conversations.

Podcast Introduction

• The host welcomes listeners to "Impulsive," highlighting its status as a leading podcast.

• There is an emphasis on audience engagement through subscriptions and notifications.

Honoring John Cena

• The host acknowledges Cena's legendary status in wrestling, expressing gratitude for his presence on the show.

• They reflect on their previous brief interactions, noting how meaningful they were.

Vulnerability and Authenticity

• Cena discusses feeling seen during their interactions, emphasizing his genuine nature despite fame.

• He appreciates the time spent together and acknowledges Puerto Rico as a beautiful place.

Understanding John Cena's Instagram

Perplexing Instagram Presence

• The host describes Cena’s Instagram account as perplexing yet fascinating due to its unique content style.

Interpretation of Content

• They discuss a specific post featuring Benjamin Franklin, prompting questions about its meaning.

Financial Wisdom from Ben Franklin

• Cena explains that he posted about Franklin after reading "Charlie's Almanac," which discusses compounding interest and financial literacy.

Importance of Financial Education

Social Media and Personal Expression

The Artistic Approach to Social Media

• The speaker discusses their decision to post images without any text or tags, emphasizing the artistic nature of this approach. They believe that there is a lack of vehicles for interpretation in modern media, as everything is often over-explained.

• They express a desire for viewers to think independently about the content shared, suggesting that personal interpretations can reveal insights into both the creator's life and the viewer's own experiences.

Insights on Content Creation

• A reference is made to a specific image of a bear that resonated with many people, illustrating how personal experiences (like visiting family) can influence creative expression.

• The speaker reflects on their feelings after indulging in Persian food during their visit, using it as an example of how emotions can be conveyed through social media imagery.

Boundaries and Efficiency in Social Media Use

• When asked about downsides of social media, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and curating content efficiently to avoid feeling overwhelmed by digital distractions.

• They highlight their conscious effort to manage time spent on various platforms like Instagram and Twitter, focusing on what matters most to them.

Time Management and Value

• The discussion shifts towards valuing time as an asset; they mention working with someone who helps manage their online presence while considering how much time new platforms will require.

• The speaker expresses gratitude for meaningful interactions over superficial scrolling through social media feeds.

Healthy Relationship with Social Media

• They assert that social media should not make one's life miserable; instead, it should enhance joy if used correctly. Their approach includes spending minimal time weekly managing content across platforms.

• Emphasizing fulfillment from social media use, they encourage others to engage with it positively if it brings them happiness.

Discipline and Purpose in Life

• The conversation touches upon discipline regarding time management. The speaker shares insights into living authentically according to one’s values while projecting oneself positively online.

• They reflect on self-awareness and authenticity—striving to align one's public persona with private reality requires significant effort but is essential for genuine living.

Monitoring Screen Time

Balancing Work and Personal Time in the Entertainment Industry

The Need for Accountability

• The speaker expresses a desire to reduce their work time to two hours while acknowledging the need to be accountable for the side effects of this decision. They emphasize their love for their work in the entertainment business, which they view as a necessary tool.

Distractions and Interests

• The speaker admits to spending time scrolling through car listings and checking market values, indicating that personal interests can consume significant amounts of time.

Learning Languages Through Opportunities

• Discussing fluency in Mandarin, the speaker clarifies that while they are not fully fluent, they have been learning for 10-12 years. They credit WWE's support for language education as a motivating factor.

WWE's Educational Support

• The speaker highlights WWE’s initiative to assist talent with secondary education and language programs, expressing admiration for younger talents who have access to these resources.

Cultural Challenges in Business Expansion

• The speaker reflects on WWE's struggle to penetrate the Chinese market due to cultural misunderstandings about wrestling. They aimed to bridge this gap by learning Mandarin but faced challenges despite their efforts over eight years.

Persistence Despite Failure

• Despite not achieving success in expanding WWE's reach into China, the speaker continues learning Mandarin out of passion rather than utility. They stress that hard work does not always lead to desired outcomes but remains committed to personal growth.

Unique Market Dynamics

• The discussion touches on China's unique social media ecosystem compared to other countries, emphasizing how difficult it is for foreign entities like WWE to establish a presence there due to different industry standards and practices.

Dedication Towards WWE

John Cena's Journey and Reflections on WWE

Passion for WWE

• John Cena expresses deep gratitude for WWE, emphasizing that it is his life and the effort he puts into it resonates with fans.

• Cena reflects on his long career from OVW to the "Ruthless Aggression" era, highlighting the initial challenges of establishing his identity in WWE.

The "Ruthless Aggression" Era

• Cena admits that his debut did not resonate because he was neither ruthless nor aggressive, leading to a lack of connection with the audience.

• He discusses how belief in oneself is crucial; despite having skills, he failed to engage the crowd emotionally during matches.

Learning from Experience

• Cena acknowledges that he didn't fully invest himself in early performances, focusing too much on showcasing skill rather than connecting with fans.

• He emphasizes the importance of giving one's heart to the performance, which ultimately energizes and excites audiences.

Reflection on Peers and Generations

• Cena notes that every wrestler has a unique journey; he wishes he had approached some things differently but recognizes everyone's growth arc.

• He compares talent across generations, mentioning peers like Batista and Lesnar while also acknowledging stars like CM Punk and Roman Reigns.

Evolution of WWE Talent Perception

• Cena discusses how perceptions have changed regarding new talent entering WWE; now they see opportunities rather than just what they can take.

Career Reflections and Personal Growth

The Journey to Finding Passion

• The speaker compares pursuing a passion to participating in a hobby, like a softball league, emphasizing the importance of enduring challenges for personal fulfillment.

• Discusses feelings of failure after trying various career paths, including obtaining a college degree and failing to become a police officer, leading to uncertainty about his future.

• Reflects on the inspiration from friends and the decision to pursue wrestling as an escape from previous disappointments in life.

Embracing Opportunities

• Describes the moment he decided to take on wrestling seriously after receiving his first contract during a competitive era in professional wrestling.

• Shares details about his first contract worth $112,500 per year, which prompted him to quit his job while living in Los Angeles.

Sacrifices Made for Success

• Talks about choosing hardships intentionally despite having support from family; emphasizes that he wanted to experience struggles as part of his journey.

• Highlights the philosophy of treating wrestling as a professional job and being determined not to let others down by making it work.

Career Progression and Financial Growth

• Mentions how contracts improved over time, moving from lower amounts up to six figures through perseverance and hard work.

Humor and Resilience in Professional Life

• Engages in light-hearted banter regarding payment issues with WWE but maintains an optimistic outlook on his career trajectory.

• Expresses gratitude for ongoing success despite initial struggles; reflects on how humor has played a role throughout his career.

Reflection on Influence and Legacy

• Acknowledges admiration for peers who have achieved mastery quickly through hard work; emphasizes passion as key motivator.

• Discusses feeling "invisible" yet empowered by this unique aspect of his persona within the industry.

Navigating Challenges

• Reflecting on how many factors contributed positively to his career—physical appearance, mic skills, branding—and acknowledges past failures without letting them define him.

What Does It Mean to Be Ridiculous?

Embracing the Ridiculous

• The speaker expresses a desire to look ridiculous rather than cool, referencing early wrestling personas like "thugonomics" with exaggerated outfits.

• Acknowledges that personal branding in wrestling requires experimentation and adaptation based on audience reactions.

Audience Connection and Performance

• Highlights the importance of live audience feedback in determining what works during performances, emphasizing that each show provides new data.

• Reflects on extensive performance experience (250 shows a year for 13-14 years), which allowed for trial and error in character development.

Authenticity vs. Branding

• Discusses two potential paths in life and wrestling branding: being absurdly ridiculous or authentically true to oneself.

• Questions whether the current persona is an authentic representation of John Cena, suggesting he feels more genuine now than ever before.

The Evolution of John Cena's Character

Defining Superman

• Defines his character as "Superman," not just in strength but as someone who embodies virtue and moral integrity.

• Explains how audience perceptions have shifted over time, particularly during periods when fans were tired of his consistent victories.

Self-reflection and Growth

• Describes an older version of Superman reflecting on past identity versus present self, hinting at a struggle with evolving character dynamics.

• Mentions gauging audience interest during performances to understand how much longer he can engage them effectively.

Transitioning from Wrestling to Acting

Shifting Narratives

• Talks about the transition from being known primarily as a wrestler to becoming a recognized actor, sharing experiences from both worlds.

• Shares humorous anecdotes about recent performances while acknowledging challenges faced along the way.

Future Directions

• Conveys uncertainty about future character arcs but emphasizes authenticity in his current portrayal.

• Expresses confidence that people will be interested in him beyond promotional efforts due to genuine engagement with audiences.

Crossover Success: From Wrestling to Film

Embracing New Opportunities

• Discusses the successful crossover into acting, highlighting comedic roles that showcase versatility beyond wrestling fame.

The Journey from Wrestling to Hollywood

Transitioning from WWE to Film

• The speaker reflects on their journey, noting that it took 11 years to transition from wrestling to acting, with their first movie opportunity in 2004 and the film "Marine" released in 2006.

• They argue against the notion that WWE is smaller than cinema, emphasizing that both are forms of storytelling requiring character understanding and creativity.

• The speaker shares their perspective on learning through experience, stating that knowledge gained in WWE is subjective and personal rather than universally applicable.

Learning and Growth in Comedy

• They credit great coaching from figures like Judd Apatow and Amy Schumer for helping them find comfort on screen while working with comedians who encouraged them to take risks.

• The speaker describes feeling like an outsider among comedians but appreciates the environment that allowed them to improve through numerous takes during filming.

Mindset and Passion

• They discuss the importance of being surrounded by talented individuals, which fosters growth; they liken this experience to their early days in WWE where rapid improvement was necessary.

• Despite enjoying WWE at the time, they acknowledge a struggle with early projects due to a desire to return to wrestling instead of focusing on acting.

Challenges of Filmmaking vs. Wrestling

• The speaker contrasts the excitement of live wrestling events with the more controlled environment of film sets, describing how long filming days can feel finite compared to the energy of a live audience.

• They express how social media provides instant feedback similar to wrestling but also acknowledges the nerves associated with putting oneself out there creatively.

Balancing Hobbies and Careers

• The discussion shifts towards turning hobbies into careers; they emphasize pursuing activities that bring joy while maintaining discipline amidst challenges.

• Reflecting on life wisdom gained over time, they note how fast-paced life as a WWE Superstar led them to seek balance before burnout occurred.

Personal Growth Through Education

• The speaker recounts their educational journey, highlighting a pivotal moment when they were rejected from preparatory school but later accepted after improving grades and sports performance.

John Cena on Vulnerability and Opportunities

The Impact of Preparatory School

• John Cena reflects on how his time in preparatory school helped him gain fluency as a college student, which positively influenced his athletic performance and social connections.

Embracing Vulnerability

• Cena discusses the importance of being ridiculous and vulnerable, highlighting that not taking oneself too seriously is crucial for personal growth. His experience with "Train Wreck" marked his first step towards vulnerability.

• He credits James Gunn's coaching for helping him embrace vulnerability on screen, noting that it can be challenging to show one's true self.

Significant Roles and Opportunities

• Cena expresses excitement about his role in the "Barbie" movie, describing it as a significant opportunity that he eagerly pursued while filming "Fast 10."

• A chance encounter with Margot Robbie led to his casting as a mermaid in "Barbie," showcasing how unexpected opportunities can arise from networking.

The Importance of Humor in Masculinity

• Cena emphasizes the value of masculine figures showing their humorous side, stating that it helps humanize them and makes them more relatable to audiences.

• He believes it's essential for public figures to reveal their human side beyond their roles in movies or social media personas.

Connections with Co-stars

• Discussing Dua Lipa, Cena acknowledges her superstar essence and mentions they have kept in touch after working together.

Understanding Empathy and Personal Accountability

The Importance of Empathy

• The speaker emphasizes the need for empathy in daily interactions, acknowledging that while they are not perfect, they strive to be true to their values.

• They reflect on personal struggles, highlighting the challenge of balancing emotions with rationality in difficult situations.

Personal Accountability

• The discussion shifts to accountability, where the speaker questions whether their actions align with their stated beliefs and expresses a willingness to apologize if necessary.

• They recognize that everyone has personal boundaries but emphasize understanding others' perspectives as part of navigating life.

Lifestyle Choices and Food Preferences

• A conversation about food reveals the speaker's love for baked goods, indicating a preference for indulgent treats like muffins and scones.

• They share humorous anecdotes about food cravings and discuss how these preferences impact their lifestyle choices.

Fitness Philosophy

• The speaker discusses their approach to diet and fitness, advocating for moderation rather than strict dieting. They believe in making overall healthy choices over time.

• They mention adjusting workout routines due to life changes, emphasizing recovery as a priority over maintaining peak physical condition.

Recovery Practices

• When asked about modern recovery methods like NAD or stem cells, the speaker clarifies they prefer traditional approaches and remain drug-free.

How to Maintain Good Health and Skin Care?

Importance of Health Choices

• The speaker discusses the challenges of maintaining health while traveling, emphasizing the importance of making good health choices and staying hydrated.

Skin Care Routine

• The speaker compliments another person's skin, leading to a discussion about their skincare routine, which humorously includes using foundation as a primary product.

• Acknowledges the role of personal relationships in skincare, mentioning that their wife assists with their skincare regimen.

Impact Work and Philanthropy

Military and Make-A-Wish Foundation Involvement

• The speaker reflects on their significant impact work with troops and mentions being the most prolific granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, having granted wishes for over 650 children.

Approach to Philanthropy

• Discusses how WWE's relationship with Make-A-Wish allows for personalized experiences for families, enhancing the impact of philanthropy through entertainment.

Tribute to Troops Initiative

• Shares rewarding experiences from participating in WWE's Tribute to Troops events in Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the fulfillment derived from supporting military personnel.

Addressing Mental Health Issues Among Veterans

Suicide Prevention Efforts

• Mentions involvement with FitOps, a charity focused on suicide prevention among veterans by helping them transition into civilian careers after service.

Personal Connection to Veteran Struggles

• Expresses deep concern over veterans who struggle post-service despite having made sacrifices for freedom, indicating a desire to contribute positively.

The Emotional Weight of Philanthropic Work

Challenges Faced in Impact Cases

• Reflecting on emotionally challenging cases within both military support and children's terminal illness situations but prefers focusing on positive outcomes rather than difficulties faced.

Common Threads in Experiences

• Emphasizes that regardless of background or struggles—whether facing terminal illness or military challenges—everyone can find joy together through shared experiences at WWE events.

Personal Reflections on Family Decisions

Thoughts on Parenthood

What Happens When Your Driveway is Stolen?

Discussion on Parenting and Leadership

• The speaker expresses enjoyment in their current situation while humorously discussing the idea of raising a "baby" with someone else's help, indicating a light-hearted approach to serious topics.

• A request for advice is made, highlighting the speaker's belief that the other person provides valuable insights, especially since they are not a parent themselves.

• The conversation shifts towards leadership and inspiration, emphasizing the importance of guidance even outside traditional parenting roles.

Advice for Dealing with Unexpected Situations

• A video is introduced featuring a woman whose driveway was stolen, prompting discussion about how to handle such unexpected events.

• The emotional impact of losing something significant like a driveway is acknowledged, illustrating how different situations can evoke strong feelings.

• The speaker suggests focusing on what can be controlled in difficult situations—like assessing resources and options available after an incident occurs.

Control and Perspective

• Emphasis is placed on letting go of things beyond one's control while concentrating on actionable steps that can improve the situation at hand.

• A humorous take on everyday challenges illustrates that setbacks happen frequently; it's essential to maintain perspective during tough times.

Coping Mechanisms

• The concept of allowing oneself to feel anger or frustration as part of processing negative experiences is discussed. This acknowledgment helps in moving forward effectively.

• Suggestions include finding healthy outlets for emotions (e.g., exercising or venting), which are crucial for personal well-being after facing adversity.

Reflections on Professional Challenges

• Transitioning into professional anecdotes, the speaker reflects on an incident involving wrestling where mistakes occurred but emphasizes trusting the process during unforeseen circumstances.

WWE's Greatest Moments and Vince McMahon's Dedication

The Impact of Vince McMahon During a Critical Moment

• Despite suffering torn quads, Vince McMahon enters the ring to guide the event, showcasing his dedication and work ethic.

• As the authority figure in WWE, he commands a restart of the match, demonstrating leadership even in adversity.

• Emphasizes the importance of trusting one's surroundings and colleagues during unpredictable situations in wrestling.

• Reflects on how Vince communicated effectively despite his injury, creating an unforgettable moment for everyone involved.

• Highlights that teamwork among performers leads to memorable experiences rather than individual accolades.

Reflections on Career and Future Aspirations

• Discusses personal feelings about retirement while acknowledging the evolution of wrestling talent and production quality.

• Expresses desire to leave on a high note while still feeling capable and fluent in performance skills.

• Contemplates taking a guest role at WWE’s Performance Center without formal obligations, focusing on mentorship instead.

Balancing Personal Life with Wrestling Passion

• Acknowledges challenges in keeping up with wrestling due to personal commitments but maintains enthusiasm for the industry.

• Shares enjoyment from engaging with new talent at WWE, emphasizing knowledge sharing as vital for future generations.

Insights into Recent Events

• Comments on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's recent return and spontaneous moments that can occur during live events.

• Reflects on missed opportunities during The Rock's appearance, recognizing professional responsibility in utilizing such moments effectively.

Discussion on Trust and Hypocrisy in the Fight Game

The Importance of Trust

• The speaker emphasizes that trust is essential in the fight game, suggesting that actions should align with this principle for a cohesive team dynamic.

• Acknowledges that there are multiple ways to approach creative challenges, highlighting the need for collaboration and trust-building among team members.

Personal Reflections on Career Choices

• The speaker reflects on their past actions, admitting to being hypocritical about their commitment to wrestling while not actively participating.

• Expresses regret over missing significant events like Raw, indicating a disconnect between professed love for the business and actual involvement.

Acknowledgment of Influences

• Discusses the impact of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on their career, recognizing his contributions to wrestling and personal opportunities.

• Reflects on how provoking The Rock was misguided; acknowledges that it could have been handled differently without animosity.

Consequences of Actions

• Shares a moment of tension between them and The Rock, hinting at past conflicts but also expressing a desire to mend relationships.

• Engages in a conversation about personal experiences with conflict resolution and understanding one's own mistakes.

Regret and Growth

• Describes idolizing Dwayne Johnson and feeling remorseful after causing harm due to personal failings during a difficult time.

• Talks about undergoing therapy to address past traumas that led to poor decisions affecting relationships with mentors like DJ (Dwayne Johnson).

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Navigating Personal Relationships

• The speaker expresses uncertainty about how to approach reconciliation with someone they will inevitably encounter, highlighting the emotional complexity of their situation.

• An anecdote is shared regarding a difficult time involving the speaker's fiancé, emphasizing the need for maintaining sanity amidst uncomfortable situations caused by others.

• Acknowledgment of personal accountability is made; the speaker reflects on how being hurt by someone close can lead to deeper self-understanding and growth.

The Role of Forgiveness

• The discussion pivots to forgiveness as a crucial step in moving forward from past grievances, suggesting that it begins with an internal decision to forgive.

• Distinction between forgiveness and forgetfulness is made; one can forgive without erasing memories or lessons learned from painful experiences.

Self-Acceptance and Growth

• The speaker admits struggling with ego and acknowledges that a conversation with the person involved is necessary for closure, indicating readiness for personal growth.

• Feelings of self-hatred are discussed as a driving force behind ambition; the speaker resolves to succeed independently, regardless of external validation or relationships.

Communication as Resolution

• Emphasis on open communication is highlighted as essential for resolving conflicts; sharing feelings can lead to healing rather than avoidance.

• The importance of addressing issues directly is reiterated; many relationships suffer due to unspoken feelings stemming from pride or fear.

Vulnerability in Sharing Experiences

• Acknowledgment of vulnerability when sharing personal struggles fosters connection and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges.

Podcast Episode with a Wrestling Legend

Introduction and Guest Background

• The host expresses gratitude to the guest, acknowledging their dual role as both a great therapist and one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

• The guest thanks the host for having them on the podcast, indicating that this appearance is long overdue.

• The guest hopes for future visits to the podcast, suggesting a positive relationship with the host.

Upcoming Projects

• The guest mentions an upcoming project titled "Argal," set to be released in February.

• Another project called "What Drives You" is mentioned, though no specific release date is provided.