Wrestling legend John Cena, now retired, finds a new perspective watching from the sidelines. He lauded Brock Lesnar as a “once-in-wrestling” talent, but believes Oba Femi is Lesnar’s true equal. Cena highlighted Femi’s unique courage and confidence, noting that unlike other challengers, Femi doesn’t enter the ring as an underdog against the formidable Lesnar.
John Cena, the 17-time World Champion, speaks from a new perspective after stepping away from full-time wrestling. At the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Cena spoke with reporter Denise Salcedo about his experience at a WWE show after retirement and his thoughts on the current wrestling landscape, particularly focusing on an upcoming match between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar.“Gosh, it is so stress-free, like I do love the thrill of being in the ring as a performer. I have a little bit of a new vantage point, and it is it’s really nice,” Cena says about watching wrestling from the sidelines.
John Cena’s view on Brock Lesnar being once-in-a-genre talent
When the conversation turns to the upcoming matchup, Cena makes a bold claim about Brock Lesnar. “Well, I think Brock Lesnar is a once-in-a-genre talent. And I don’t mean once in a generation. I mean, once in wrestling, and it’s very difficult to solve the puzzle that’s Brock Lesnar,” he explains.
Oba Femi is Brock Lesnar’s even match, says John Cena
What stands out to Cena about the Oba Femi matchup is how it differs from other Brock Lesnar encounters. “Oba Femi is Brock Lesnar’s even match. And I think that’s what’s exciting about that matchup. Everyone, everyone goes into a match with Brock Lesnar an underdog except Oba Femi. And I think that’s the allure,” he says.Cena elaborates on what makes this different. “Everyone wants to see two tanks square off in this ring.
And not just two big men, two gifted men, two big, agile, mobile, versatile athletes.”
John Cena praises Oba Femi’s courage against Brock Lesnar
Cena highlights Femi’s mindset going into the match against Brock Lesnar. “And shout out to Oba. He has the courage to stand in there. I’ve had many moments where I’ve shared with Brock Lesnar, and the moments where I’ve had the courage to charge the hill, I’m still ready to crap my pants. Oba has the courage and confidence to charge the hill. And I think that’s—Brock has never seen that out of a challenger before.”
