John Cena and Ric Flair are strong candidates for Mount Rushmore in professional wrestling. WWE recognizes each man's 16 world titles as records. Still, Cena wouldn't call himself, “The Nature Boy” or any other WWE Hall of Famer the greatest pro wrestler. Cena bestows this honor on an active performer, Roman Reigns.
Cena recently made the case for Reigns being the greatest of all time in a conversation with Shannon Sharpe. Cena referenced Reigns' long tenure on the WWE main event scene and how the company's business grew during Reigns' recent reign as undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
“I don’t think there’s a better example of how good the company has ever been than Roman Reigns,” Cena said “Club Shay Shay” on Wednesday. “It's amazing that I say that a still active talent with years ahead of him is the greatest of all time. He has been there since 2012. I had to work my way up. I started on the bench and then came on.” He came into Saturday's program, lost every game with The Shield and a really high-profile performance, and even when fans didn't like him, he remained in the event lens for over a decade.
“In 2012 the stock traded at $11. WWE/TKO stock is now at $117. That rests on his shoulders. There is no better indication, and I know that it is a team effort and no one can do it alone, but this, for me this is a serious matter that I have to give respect to. [Roman] is smart, passionate about business and a cross-generational athlete. Has respect for his family, the locker room, the business. He is a very smart artist and someone I respect. He would be my greatest ever.
Reigns has been a cornerstone of WWE despite only appearing part-time in recent years. His 1,316 days as Universal Champion are the fourth-longest world title reign recognized by WWE. Thanks to his 735 days as WWE Champion and holding both titles, Reigns was ranked No. 7 on the list at the same time.
The Anoaʻi Family has become a focal point of WWE programming with Reigns as the “Tribal Chief” of The Bloodline. The faction and multi-year storyline have spawned family members such as The Usos and Solo Sikoa. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Reigns’ cousin, joined the Bloodline in the lead-up to WrestleMania 40. The Rock has a solid GOAT record as a 10-time world champion and pro wrestling's most consistent Hollywood crossover star. Cena gave The Rock his flowers but insisted he was one step behind his cousin in the GOAT chatter.
“Rock would come second. He did the same thing in the 90s,” Cena said. “This is the only time I can say that because Rock's numbers are always number one, Roman's numbers were better than Dwayne's.”
Cena is preparing for his WWE retirement tour, which ends at WrestleMania 41 on April 19th and 20th. Despite the impending end of his in-ring career, Cena announced that he has signed a contract extension with WWE through 2025.
“I have such a trusting relationship with them,” Cena said. “over two decades. I am an advocate for the brand. I love the company. It's my home. You are my family. Even after 2025, I have already signed an extension to remain a member of the WWE family for the near future. “I don't think there will be a heartbeat that doesn't have WWE blood flowing out of it.
