Cody Rhodes Credits John Cena for Career Influence

Everyone who embarks on their journey in the pro wrestling business faces obstacles. Cody Rhodes has seen a lot of challenges since starting his career in the pro wrestling business, and he’s also see John Cena do the same thing and come out on the other side as one of the biggest celebrities on the planet.

Cody Rhodes joined the WWE roster in 2007, and by that time John Cena had already won the WWE Championship three times and established himself as a top name in WWE. During Cody’s initial tenure with WWE, he witnessed Cena’s rising significance to the overall WWE product until his eventual departure in 2016.

Now, as the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes has opened up about John Cena’s work ethic and approach. While speaking with Complex, Rhodes explained how Cena’s attitude shaped his own philosophies and the direction he took to achieve his current status.

“I modeled a lot of my career after the man who was the lead dog when I was here initially, and that being John Cena. Hey, if you want the spot, if you want the ball, you have to work to my level,” was something you’d hear him say in interviews, and it was very real. There was nobody who could match it at the time. In terms of being WWE Champion, you have to represent WWE at all times.”

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John Cena is preparing for his farewell tour, scheduled to take place throughout the entire calendar year of 2025. He will make just under 40 dates in 2025, and then he will not wrestle again. The Greatest of All Time has already confirmed that he will not make any sort of return for a one-off match.

Cody Rhodes has learned a lot along the way, and he’s seen John Cena achieve big things as well. Only time will tell if the two meet up during Cena’s retirement tour, but the 16x World Champion will certainly have a lot of eyes on him.

Ringside News will have full coverage of every step of John Cena’s retirement tour. For more updates and stories about him, we invite you to check out our official John Cena news hub.