5 WWE Superstars Who Hate John Cena In Real Life

John Cena has been the face of the franchise for over a decade and a half. His resilience, embodiment of values like loyalty and respect, and his “never give up” mantra have made him an icon. While Cena has transitioned to a part-time role in WWE to focus on his Hollywood aspirations, he’s shown no sign of hanging up his wrestling boots permanently.

However, with great fame often comes great animosity. In Cena’s case, not all the behind-the-scenes stories cast him in the positive light that his on-screen character suggests. While some criticisms may stem from jealousy or professional rivalries, certain WWE superstars have had their share of grievances against Cena, alleging personal and professional tensions.

Firstly, the well-documented friction between Cena and “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson is hard to ignore. Their on-screen feud was a thing of legends, culminating in an epic WrestleMania showdown that smashed PPV buy records. But this rivalry wasn’t just limited to their scripted roles. Years before their high-profile match, Cena criticized The Rock for leveraging his WWE fame to transition to Hollywood, suggesting a lack of genuine passion for the wrestling business. When The Rock made his WWE comeback, he didn’t hesitate to lambast Cena. Their back-and-forth wasn’t just for show, with off-the-script jabs becoming frequent, like Cena’s mocking of The Rock for needing written prompts during promos. Their off-screen tensions reached a point where they almost had physical altercations backstage. Interestingly, Cena’s subsequent move to Hollywood and a reduced WWE role mirrors The Rock’s career trajectory, something he once heavily criticized.

Chris Masters, another superstar who emerged around Cena’s initial championship run, has voiced his issues with Cena. Masters believes Cena was resistant to working with him, expressing dissatisfaction with Masters’ wrestling style. In a podcast interview, Masters revealed that while he accepted some blame for their lack of in-ring chemistry, he felt that Cena wasn’t entirely supportive or willing to build a working relationship.

Then, there’s CM Punk, a name that evokes strong emotions in the WWE universe. In one of his most iconic promos, Punk acknowledged that while he didn’t have personal animosity towards Cena, he detested the idea that Cena was portrayed as the best in the business. This sentiment was echoed by actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr., who suggested that Punk’s disdain was rooted in Cena’s character – the invincible hero who constantly triumphs. Prinze Jr. also hinted at the irony that Punk, years later, exhibited similar tendencies as Cena when he held a significant position in the business.

Wade Barrett, leader of the infamous Nexus faction, also had a rocky relationship with Cena. Fans and industry insiders alike were disappointed when Cena almost single-handedly defeated the Nexus at SummerSlam 2010, a move seen as squandering a fresh, exciting storyline. Barrett, in multiple interviews, has openly admitted that he and Cena didn’t get along personally or professionally, further fueling speculation of backstage animosities.

Lastly, Chavo Guerrero hasn’t been shy about his feelings towards Cena. On several occasions, Chavo took to social media to voice his critiques, once challenging Cena’s wrestling prowess by claiming he could out-wrestle Cena effortlessly. Chavo continued his critique in media interviews, questioning Cena’s in-ring abilities and contrasting him with truly versatile wrestlers like Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton. Chavo even threatened to boycott wrestling if Cena ever surpassed Ric Flair’s record of 16 championship wins, a claim he didn’t uphold when Cena equaled the record in 2017.

In conclusion, while John Cena’s legacy as one of WWE’s greatest superstars is undeniable, it’s clear that his journey to the top wasn’t without its share of real-life conflicts and disputes. Whether these tensions were based on professional decisions or personal disagreements, they highlight the complex tapestry of relationships in the world of professional wrestling.