This week, during an episode of “Busted Open,” John Bradshaw Layfield discussed the 20 years of John Cena, his friendship with the star, and whether or not he saw him as a future star when he first joined WWE.
JBL talking about 20 years of John Cena:
“If you say, ‘Is he the G.O.A.T?’, he certainly is in the debate of the G.O.A.T,” JBL began.
“You know, it’s hard to compare eras. How do you compare Cena with Sammartino who owned the Garden for 10 years. But to me, he’s the best representative our business has ever seen. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”
“650 Make-A-Wishes. He gave a million dollars of his own money to social inequity to help solve the problems of society. He’s just one of the best, most respectful guys I’ve ever been around. He is the best representative of this business that I’ve ever seen.”
On his friendship with Cena:
“John’s a good guy. Since he first came in, he’s been a good guy. Everybody’s always liked him,” JBL shared.
“He’s always been the guy that people go to. He’s very calm. He’s very even headed. As far as I know, we’ve always had a great relationship. I’ve certainly liked him.”
On if he saw Cena as a star when he first came to WWE:
“No doubt about it. You know, it’s a world of difference between doing an eight minute match. Anybody can do that, be trained to do that, you know, you start the match, you get heat, and you go home. To do a 30-minute match is difficult. That’s really deep water because now you have to go on a roller coaster and you’re into the unknown.”
“I think maybe John had done a 30-minute before. It may have been with Kurt Angle, who’s also one of the greatest of all time like John is, but I was the first or second. Vince pulled me aside and asked me, ‘How is he?’ I said, ‘He’s your guy.’ Vince was really surprised, happily surprised. He had no feeling one way or the other. He said, ‘Really?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, he’s that good.’ Now I never dreamed he would be a 16-time world champion. I don’t think anybody did. But I could tell right away that this was the guy that they needed going forward.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Busted Open Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Busted Open Radio can be heard on SiriusXM’s Fight Nation (Channel 156), Monday through Saturday from 9 am to Noon eastern.
