John Cena is a 16-time World Champion and held down the fort in WWE for a decade and is now one of the biggest draws in Hollywood. However, he is ultimately human at the end of the day and has things to remind him he is worthy and now he has revealed why he carries a broken pocket watch with him.
While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live with guest co-host Jeff Goldblum, John Cena revealed that he always carries a broken pocket watch with him. Though he has an actual watch to keep time, the pocket watch serves a greater purpose: perspective. Cena shared that he used to struggle with feelings of inadequacy and not valuing himself.
The back of the watch is engraved with the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy,” which he uses as a reminder whenever he feels uncomfortable or has low self-worth. It helps him remember that he is enough and worthy of love.
“I used to think I was not enough. I did not value self. So on the back of this watch it says ‘comparison is the thief of joy,’ so I take this and every time I feel uncomfortable or have low self-worth, I just give it a little reminder and it reminds me that I am enough and I am worthy of love.”
The front of the watch carries a different message: “Memento mori,” reminding Cena to stay grounded and remember that he is human and not above anyone else. It also serves as a reminder to appreciate where he came from and the people who support him, emphasizing that he doesn’t achieve success alone. Cena explained that the watch serves as a “keeper of perspective, not time,” helping him balance between feeling too much or not enough.
““It says ‘Memento mori’ for when my head gets too big I need to remember that I am human and I’m above no one and always remember where I came from and remember those who support me, that I don’t do it alone so I have one side when I don’t think my ego is too big and one side for when I don’t feel enough and it’s a nice little keeper of perspective not time and that’s why I have it.”
John Cena announced his retirement from professional wrestling and also explained why he will retire from in-ring competition in 2025. It is likely he will be carrying around his broken pocket watch with him for his entire retirement tour and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Do you have more respect for John Cena’s philosophy and the reason behind him carrying a broken pocket watch? Let us know in the comments section below!