Why WWE Legend Believes John Cena Really Is “Greatest Of All Time”
A legendary WWE superstar who worked there when John Cena started has explained why Cena really is WWE’s GOAT.
There are just three more appearances left in John Cena’s WWE retirement tour.
The 17-time WWE World Champion John Cena captured the Intercontinental Championship on Monday’s WWE Raw in Boston when he beat Dominik Mysterio clean with the Attitude Adjustment.
Next up for Cena is WWE Monday Night Raw in New York City on November 17, Survivor Series on November 29, and his retirement match on December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Since Cena’s retirement tour has gone on, a lot of people have given their opinion on it. Matt Hardy has been a pro wrestler for over 30 years and was part of the WWE roster when Cena debuted in 2002, so he knows Cena well and followed his career. Just like Cena, Matt will be in the WWE Hall of Fame one day down the road.
While speaking on his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt spoke about Cena’s legacy in pro wrestling and if he’s really the Greatest of All Time aka the “GOAT” as the kids like to say.
“I mean, I think when it’s all said and done. It’s hard, it’s hard to dispute that he is not the greatest WWE superstar of all time.”
“There Is No One That Worked Harder Than John Cena” – Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy went on to say that while John Cena may not be the most successful wrestler financially in terms of selling out arenas, Cena also faced different circumstances.
“But there is no one that worked harder than John Cena. There was no one that was more loyal to… WWE than John Cena. So yes, in my opinion, I think he is probably the most significant WWE wrestler, champion, greatest of all time WWE wrestler there’s ever been.”
That also led to Matt Hardy talking about other potential Greatest of All Time legends like Steve Austin, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan and others.
“Shawn was amazing, but Shawn was never that kind of PR guy. You know, there were a lot of times where Shawn got a lot of bad PR.
Steve Austin was a great company representative when he was on top. And then Steve had times where, you know, he was pissed off, and he walked out… he wasn’t always someone that was the greatest role model.
Rock’s run was not long enough. You’re right. I mean, John was there killing for almost 20 years straight.
I mean, even with Hogan, I probably subtract points from him just because he did leave WWE, and he went to WCW, and he was kind of leaning, I mean, John Cena is a WWE lifer, you know what I mean? And he will be at WWE lifer, and I think that adds value to this argument.”
While continuing to make points to support John Cena as WWE’s GOAT, Hardy spoke about how well Cena represented the company.
“He was just always a stand-up guy who was a great ambassador for WWE. Never got in trouble.
And then just on top of that, I mean, you have to look at a guy that has done more, you know, Make-A-Wish meets, than any other person, and right there. I mean, that’s a statement that shows you how big that guy’s heart is.”
Regarding his final WWE Raw appearance as an active wrestler in New York City, John Cena stated on X that he plans to be in action one more time on Raw.
Over 23 years you’ve allowed me to have 544 matches on #WWERaw. The most in WWE history. My favorite match.. is my next one! Which will be our LAST ONE! Don’t miss our last chance to grace @TheGarden ring as we say farewell to RAW live, Monday night on @netflix at 8pm ET!
— John Cena (@JohnCena) November 14, 2025
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