John Cena Names His Mount Rushmore of Rappers

WWE icon John Cena, known for his impressive wrestling career and his early persona as a trash-talking rapper, recently shared his picks for the Mount Rushmore of rap.

Speaking on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Cena acknowledged that his choices might be controversial, stating, “everyone has their bias.” Despite this, he confidently named Nas, JAY-Z, and Rakim as his top three rappers, highlighting his East Coast roots and love for lyrical wordplay, which heavily influenced his WWE character.

For his final spot, Cena chose Eminem, an artist he’s long admired. In a 2022 interview with Esquire, Cena called Eminem “one of the most gifted, prolific poets I’ve ever had the chance to listen to,” adding that if their music ever crossed paths, Eminem would “put me to shame.” This deep respect for Eminem’s craft solidifies the rapper’s place in Cena’s top four.

Before Cena became the squeaky-clean hero of WWE, his wrestling career was on the brink of collapse in 2002. However, his passion for rap saved him when he started freestyling on a tour bus. Stephanie McMahon noticed his skills, leading to a character transformation that would forever change his career. Cena’s “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, a white rapper who dished out verbal barbs, quickly became a fan favorite and solidified his path to becoming a WWE legend.

While Cena has transitioned away from his rapper persona, he has occasionally brought it back for special appearances over the years. With his upcoming retirement tour on the horizon, fans are hopeful that Cena might once again channel the “Doctor of Thuganomics” for one last hurrah, paying homage to the character that helped launch him into WWE stardom.

What do you think about John Cena’s picks for his Mount Rushmore of rap? How do you see his appreciation for these artists influencing his own persona, especially during his “Doctor of Thuganomics” era in WWE? Share your thoughts on how Cena’s love for rap shaped his wrestling character and his broader impact on entertainment.