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John Cena Admits “I’m A Fan” Of WWE Newcomer

By John Canton • Published May 15, 2026 14:35 EDT
John Cena WWE WrestleMania 42
John Cena WWE WrestleMania 42 - Image via WWE.com

John Cena is already a big supporter of a new WWE superstar.

The WWE NXT brand has seen many fresh faces arrive on camera in recent weeks as several top NXT stars have moved to Raw or SmackDown.

Some of the wrestlers who are new to NXT have already shown their talents on WWE’s Evolve brand, while others were featured on A&E’s WWE LFG show, which showcases younger talent.

In a recent interview with CBS Sports, the legendary 17-time WWE World Champion John Cena discussed the current WWE landscape now that he’s retired, Brock Lesnar may be done, Batista moved on years ago, and only Randy Orton is left from Cena’s OVW class from 25 years ago. When it was brought up to Cena that Bray Wyatt is the last WWE Champion under the age of 30 in 2017, Cena reacted to it.

“I don’t think one reason points in that direction. It could be someone like me who had an unprecedented stay of 23 years – keep in mind, that’s not the usual career length of a WWE Champion and Superstar.

And alongside me, Randy Orton, side by side. Batista, a little bit of a shorter run, and Brock Lesnar in and out. But that class that you spoke of so highly, we had an anomaly of longevity and success, and that takes up time and spots.

So now you’re talking about, as we wane out, certainly my chapter’s done, Batista’s chapter’s done, Brock – Randy’s kinda the only one left.

Now, new performers are gonna get those spots, and those are going to go to the most seasoned performers that connect with the audience, and they just happen to be a little bit of the older scale.

That doesn’t mean, I don’t think we’re ruling out the possibility of a young champion in the very near future, because we are loaded with youth, speed and talent.”

John Cena Clearly Supports WWE Newcomer Mason Rook

Over the last two weeks of WWE NXT TV, a newcomer named Mason Rook has made a huge impact by attacking some big names on the brand, like the NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

Rook is a 29-year-old British wrestler with plenty of experience from his days competing as Will Kroos. As an athletic guy who isn’t the most ripped athlete, Rook has a unique look that makes him stand out.

In recent weeks, John Cena even went on X/Twitter to comment on what the fans chant for Rook: “He’s big, he’s bad, he’ll body slam your dad.” The fans were chanting it at NXT TV this past week as well, so it seems likely Rook will hear the chant at WWE shows too.

When CBS brought up young talent that Cena may be interested in watching, Cena referenced Rook with this comment.

“It’s no secret I think to those in the know that I chant with everybody else, ‘He’s big, he’s bad, he’ll bodyslam your dad.’

“If you don’t know who I’m talking about, I want you to go check that out. I’m a fan.” (H/T Wrestletalk)

Considering Rook has the support of WWE”s GOAT, there’s no telling how far he could go in NXT and WWE.

Also Read: Why John Cena Wanted To Do The “John Cena Classic” In WWE