WWE News: Does John Cena Bury Talent? Revealing Responses From Stone Cold & The Big Show
If perception is indeed reality, then the answer to the question of whether or not John Cena “buries” other talent is emphatic to the affirmative. For over a decade, Cena detractors have chastised the face of the company for what they perceive to be burying other superstars more deserved of the spot he occupies. From an outsider’s perspective, Cena’s stranglehold on the top of the card must coincide with his political stroke backstage and reluctance to put other talent over for fear of losing his own spot and the financial windfall associated with it.
For every John Cena hater, however, there’s a supporter. And contrary to popular belief, they’re not all teenagers. The Big Show, who received positive reviews following his appearance on the Stone Cold podcast that aired on the WWE Network, joined Austin again for a more uncensored appearance on The Steve Austin Show. Stone Cold brought up that theory that Cena is holding other talent back but refused to buy in, as transcribed by Wrestling Inc.
“If you get on the internet, there [are] so many people that say, ‘oh, when is Cena going to finally put somebody over? When is Cena going to stop holding everybody down?’ Cena’s gone! Seth Rollins is gone. Cesaro kept trying and he was almost there, he almost makes it, and he gets back down. I love that guy. Neville got hurt… Luke Harper I love. But anyways, all those guys were all gone. Randy Orton, a tried and true veteran, second or third generation. He’d never hold anybody back, but my point is, nobody is holding [anybody] down here because if there was ever an opportunity to shine, it’s right now with five spots on the roster open.”
Austin clearly subscribes to the theory that actual wins and losses don’t matter in today’s world of sports entertainment. Fans, on the other hand, look at how John Cena came out on the winning end of his recent feuds with Bray Wyatt, Rusev, and Kevin Owens and are quick to judge otherwise. The Big Show, one of the WWE’s longest-tenured superstars and one who’s engaged in many a rivalry with Cena over the years, tends to agree with the Texas Rattlesnake.
“That’s such bulls–t anyway, Steve. When people say that, it’s a smart mark on a couch trying to be a wrestling coach. That’s not the way this business works. This business is about opportunity. You’re given opportunity. Everybody has an opportunity. John Cena’s on top for as long as he [has] been on top because, the cat, you can’t catch him. He outworks everybody around. He’s in shape. He has a look. He cuts the best promos. He represents the company well whenever he does it.”
Over the years, we’ve heard both sides of the coin from inside the WWE locker room as well. Younger guys who want their shot work incredibly hard to replace John Cena at the top of the card. Not because they think he buries his peers but because they’re tired of the same face headlining every pay-per-view. But Big Show is of the mindset that if Cena is on that night’s card, it benefits the entire roster.
“He’s a tried and true guy who puts asses in seats. I’m sorry, I want John Cena on the show, just like when you were working, I wanted ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin on the show. I wanted [The] Rock on the show because I knew there were going to be asses in the seats and I was going to make a good payday. John Cena doesn’t hold anybody down. John Cena has made more stars since he has gotten in the ring, made more stars. That’s the thing people don’t understand. Being champion isn’t about winning. When you get that strap, nine times out of 10, everything is on your head. You’ve got to fill asses in seats, keep ratings up, and you’re there to get other guys over. You know, when you’re the champ, that’s the whole deal. You’re trying to get other talent up to your level and get them over.”
[Image via WWE]
