Pro-wrestler turned Hollywood star John Cena drew similarities between James Gunn and Vince McMahon, the heads of two massive organizations. Making waves with his Hollywood performances, in the #1 movie of 2023, Barbie, and DC’s TV series Peacemaker, Cena has shared insights on working under the WWE and DC bosses.
Striving to make it not only in Hollywood but in the superhero world, Cena revealed that he faced some rejection before landing his part as the Peacemaker. Initially, he was being eyed for 2019’s Shazam! but lost it to Zachary Levi. Regardless, the WWE icon has gained wisdom that helped him shape into a better professional in both industries.
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John Cena bridges James Gunn and Vince McMahon’s personalities
Neither of John Cena’s careers, WWE or Hollywood, have been easy. From emerging as a wrestling star to landing parts in blockbusters, the 46-year-old actor has worked his way up to the peak. Some rejections later, from Deadpool, Shazam! and even Avengers’ Thanos, Cena finally stepped into the DC world with Peacemaker.
Finally getting accepted by James Gunn, Cena got the opportunity to know and work under the newly appointed CEO of DC Studios. Therefore, recalling his long experience in wrestling, working with WWE co-founder Vince McMahon, Cena told host Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast,
“He [James Gunn] very much reminds me of Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon has these little moments where it’s like a small nugget of wisdom that never leaves you, and you always remember it. And James has bestowed 10 or more of those on me to make me a better professional.”
Speaking of connections, the only other person who is more established than John Cena in an alike professional trajectory is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Also, a former wrestler-turned-Hollywood star, who also recently teased his return to the WWE domain, had ups and downs with John Cena during his wrestling career.
John Cena reflects on his relationship with Dwayne Johnson
The wrestlers of the highest-selling match in WWE history once went through a rough patch, following a misunderstanding. Appearing on another episode of the Happy Sad Confused in May 2023, Cena was asked if he is on good terms with The Rock. Hence, the 16-time WWE world champion explained,
“I would like to think in my perspective that we always have been good except for one little patch, where I really messed up. I got selfish and me being leaving WWE at the point, and not having any concept of of growth or someone else’s perspective, I took Dwayne’s comments as not genuine”
Nonetheless, he credited the Fast X star for transcending the art of wrestling and breaking barriers in the industry, along with David Bautista. Cena impressively acknowledged his drawbacks, which ultimately ignited the controversy with Johnson. Finally concluding that Cena and Johnson have successfully regained their friendship overtime.
