John Cena: Reaction To His Reputation For Burying Young Talent

WWE Superstar and former champion John Cena recently sat down for an interview with The Wrap to promote Season 2 of his new reality show "American Grit". During the interview, Cena gave comments on criticisms he's received over the years regarding being "coddled" by the WWE and having a reputation for "burying young talent". Below, are highlights from  the interview

If He's "coddled" By WWE

“If you look at my existence in WWE, I have never asked anyone and will never ask anyone to pull any punches,” Cena explained. “I believe that it’s a ‘Strong Survive’ environment, and accept nothing less. I think people forget my [history] in WWE sometimes and the fact that I truly had to earn every inch. There is this overwhelming perception that I am protected and coddled — that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

“I just believe you bring your best to every story and you bring your best to every fight. And if my skills aren’t as good, then it’s time to step back. It’s just a matter of believing in myself and going out there and speaking from the heart. I believe that sometimes that’s something missing in some of the WWE storylines … being honest and brave enough to put everything out there on the table.”

His Reputation For “Burying Young Talent”

“This is why I have the reputation of quote-unquote ‘burying younger talent,’ because I will let them do whatever they want with me — and then after they get done, they’re not as motivated,” Cena remarked. “So, it’s not that I sink their ship, it’s that they fail to operate at an elite level. And I’m on to the next person, [to] whom I say, “Hey man, bring your best punch and I’m gonna punch back” — and they don’t take that attitude beyond me.”

You can read the full interview here