WWE Superstar John Cena discussed the future of his long-time rival Brock Lesnar during his appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. While analyzing their match from earlier in the year, Cena alluded to the long-term creative plans for Lesnar’s current run, which appear to culminate in a specific location.
Cena explained the creative logic behind their encounter, which saw Lesnar defeat Cena decisively. He noted that the goal was to re-establish Lesnar as a dominant force (“a mountain”) for a future star to conquer, likely in Lesnar’s home state.
“You have to figure out who gets the shine that night,” Cena explained regarding the booking. “In his return again, only my perspective, [this is an] attraction where we are going to build until he goes into the sunset, which is, I think, in Minnesota. Creatively, it’s very soon to create a mountain to climb for someone, you have to build a mountain.”
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the host city for SummerSlam 2026, which will take place over two nights on August 1 and August 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Lesnar, a former NCAA Heavyweight Champion for the University of Minnesota, has deep ties to the area, making it a logical setting for a potential retirement match.the Loss
Cena elaborated on why he was willing to take a lopsided loss to Lesnar during his farewell tour. He viewed his role as a “viable commodity” that could be used to heat up Lesnar for that eventual “sunset” moment.
“I’m on my way out. It’s not like it’s going to hurt me, but I’m a viable commodity, and it’s a great main event,” Cena stated. “See these two titans for the last time, and it’s okay. Sometimes your team gets blown out.”
“Once in a Genre”
Cena offered high praise for Lesnar’s unique standing in the professional wrestling industry. When asked to describe Lesnar in one word, Cena called him “the best”.
He expanded on this thought, rejecting the common “once in a generation” label in favor of a more expansive description. “Brock is a once in a genre. There will be one Brock Lesnar in wrestling, and that’s from like carnival time to the time we shut the lights out,” Cena said.
Cena emphasized that if the industry is lucky enough to find another talent like Lesnar, he hasn’t seen them yet. “If we’re lucky enough to get another. I don’t know who it is,” he noted.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
