A Clash of Titans

Cena joined the “Fast & Furious” franchise as Jakob Toretto in 2021’s “F9: The Fast Saga,” stepping into a series already rich with history and star power. His inclusion came amidst ongoing rumors of tension between franchise veterans Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel. On Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Cena addressed these rumors, acknowledging the challenges of blending strong personalities.

“You have two very alpha, driven people,” Cena remarked about Johnson and Diesel. “You get two, there can only be one.” He highlighted that both stars bring intense dedication and presence to their roles, which can naturally lead to friction​ (Peoplemag)​.

Cena and Johnson: A Rocky History

Cena’s history with Johnson dates back to their days in WWE, where their on-screen rivalry spilled into real life. Cena candidly admitted that his past actions towards Johnson were marked by selfishness and a lack of perspective. He reflected on their feud leading up to WrestleMania 29, where he failed to appreciate Johnson’s efforts to bridge wrestling and mainstream entertainment.

“I got selfish and me, living WWE at that point, did not have any concept of growth or someone else’s perspective,” Cena confessed. “I took Dwayne’s comments as not genuine… What a hypocrite I am. Because I still love WWE, and I can’t go all the time. I just didn’t see that. I was so selfish”​ (ClutchPoints)​.

Building Respect and Friendship

Despite their rocky start, Cena and Johnson have managed to rebuild their relationship over the years. Cena now speaks highly of Johnson, recognizing his contributions to changing the perception of professional wrestling and paving the way for other wrestlers-turned-actors like himself and Dave Bautista.

“They made it okay to be in WWE. WWE isn’t that carnival performer stereotype,” Cena noted. He admitted that his earlier criticisms were short-sighted and driven by his desire to secure a main-event match for personal gain rather than considering the broader implications for the business​ (ClutchPoints)​.

Joining the Fast & Furious Family

Cena’s entry into the “Fast & Furious” franchise was more than just a career move; it was an invitation into a well-established family. He approached this new chapter with humility and respect, understanding the significance of being part of a series with such a dedicated fan base.

“I’m being invited into someone’s home, into someone’s family,” Cena said on the podcast. He recognized the rarity of joining a franchise with nine installments and stressed the importance of respect in such an environment​ (Peoplemag)​.

Looking Ahead

As Cena continues to navigate his Hollywood career, his reflections on his past and his relationships with fellow stars like Dwayne Johnson offer valuable insights into his personal growth and professional journey. With upcoming projects and the potential for future collaborations, fans can look forward to seeing more of Cena both on screen and in the wrestling ring.

Cena’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, respect, and personal growth in achieving lasting success and building meaningful relationships in any industry.

For more details and to listen to the full interview, check out Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast episode featuring John Cena​ (Peoplemag)​​ (ClutchPoints)​.