The ability to command a crowd with a microphone is just as important in WWE as in-ring skill, and few have been better at it than John Cena. During a recent interview, the 17-time world champion listed the names he believes are the greatest trash talkers in the history of the business.
Throughout his career, Cena engaged in memorable verbal battles with some of the best talkers of his generation, including The Rock, Edge, and CM Punk. His own skills on the mic, especially during his “Doctor of Thuganomics” phase, have placed him in the conversation as one of the all-time greats.
While on Complex’s GOAT Talk, when faced with the question of who the single greatest WWE trash talker is, Cena found it impossible to name just one. Instead, he listed a group of legendary figures who pioneered the art form and set the standard for generations to follow.
“That’s a tough one,” Cena admitted. “Some pioneers again. ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper comes into into play. You can’t ignore Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson nor Stone Cold Steve Austin, CM Punk.” When the host suggested Cena himself belonged in that group, Cena expressed his gratitude, saying, “Nice company anytime I can be in that conversation.”
The names Cena listed represent a who’s who of iconic promo artists. Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” set the standard for interview segments, while Austin, The Rock, and CM Punk are all responsible for some of the most memorable and quoted promos in WWE history, including Punk’s infamous “pipebomb.”
