“Quit Wrestling…”: John Cena Reveals Career’s Worst Advice, Ignoring It Made History

WWE superstar John Cena recently opened up about a shocking piece of advice he received early in his career—one he considers the worst advice he ever got. Ignoring it, Cena went on to build a stellar career spanning over two decades.

New Delhi: Widely regarded as one of WWE’s greatest superstars, Cena retired in 2025 as a 17-time World Champion. Reflecting on his early days, he revealed a surprising incident that could have altered the course of wrestling history.

Advised to Quit Wrestling

In an interview with Complex Magazine, while conversing with actor Idris Elba, Cena shared that someone had told him:
“If you want acceptance, you should quit wrestling.”

Cena rejected the advice outright, responding with a firm “No way, never!” He trusted his instincts, stayed in wrestling, and the results speak for themselves: over 20 years of a glittering career and 17 World Championships. Cena’s journey proves that sometimes the best advice is the one you choose to ignore.

Cherished Moments During Retirement Tour

During his retirement tour, Cena shared moments that meant more to him than any dream match:

• Match with Randy Orton: Wrestling his longtime rival in Orton’s hometown.
• CM Punk in Saudi Arabia: Helping bring CM Punk to Saudi Arabia.
• Logan Paul in Paris: Facing Logan Paul in Paris and betting on him—an experience Cena believes inspired Paul to become a full-time WWE wrestler.
• AJ Styles: Sharing the ring with AJ Styles in what Cena calls magical moments.

Reality Over Fantasy

Reflecting on his journey, Cena said, “Instead of wishing for things in a fantasy world that I cannot control, I was given real magic—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

John Cena’s story highlights the importance of perseverance, trusting one’s instincts, and cherishing real-life experiences over imagined ones—a lesson for wrestlers and fans alike.