Randy Orton’s Real Life Friendship With John Cena, Explained
They may be each other’s greatest rivals in WWE, but behind the scenes, Randy Orton and John Cena are good friends.
In WWE, where scripted rivalries often blur the lines between reality and performance, the bond between two iconic figures, John Cena and Randy Orton, remains a fascinating enigma. Beyond the arena’s roar and the dazzling lights, these titans share a connection that defies the very narratives they’ve woven for the world. Imagine a tale where sworn enemies on-screen are inseparable allies behind the curtain, crafting a friendship as durable as their legacies. As we peel back the layers, we delve into the unexpected camaraderie that fuels the dynamic between Cena and Orton, two legends whose alliance and rivalry have etched an indelible mark on the canvas of professional wrestling.
John Cena And Randy Orton As Pillars Of WWE
Randy Orton Was The Heel To John Cena’s Babyface
Randy Orton, known for his stoic demeanor in the ring, has, on several occasions, shed light on his profound respect and admiration for his long-time friend and adversary, John Cena. In a revealing interview on WWE’s official YouTube channel, Orton opened up about the complexities of their on-screen relationship. During their heated rivalry, Orton admitted to deliberately avoiding public praise for Cena. He said:
“Of all I hear just, Hustle, Loyalty, Respect. He lives his life by those three words. It was just too corny to say out loud when I was younger, but now I’m a father and a married man and someone who sees the big picture, I can say like John, he’s just a mature kid, he saw the big picture early on.”
During an episode of Corey Graves’ podcast, After the Bell, (H/T SportsKeeda ) Orton delved deeper into Cena’s in-ring prowess. He spoke about Cena’s ability to connect with the audience, emphasizing how Cena’s responsiveness to the crowd’s reactions played a pivotal role in shaping his status as a legendary performer. Cena taught him how to master the art of listening to the crowd. Even on social media, Orton didn’t shy away from displaying his affection for Cena. In a post celebrating Cena’s remarkable 20-year career milestone, Orton not only congratulated his colleague but also conveyed his personal gratitude for having Cena as a friend. Adding a touch of humor to their relationship, Orton once posted a playful image on social media. The picture featured Orton kissing a cutout of John Cena, accompanied by a caption expressing how much he missed his friend. In a separate interview on Adam’s Apple, Orton openly stated that when the time came for him to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, he wished for none other than John Cena to do the honors. He said:
“My wife actually just brought that up the other day, and we were thinking about it and we didn’t know who could be the guy, Hunter came up, Cena came up, Flair came up… I don’t know if I’d be able to get Cena to come in from Hollywood to do it, maybe he could do it virtually, I don’t know.”
John Cena Praises Randy Orton’s Commitment To WWE
John Cena Mentioned Randy Orton’s WWE Comeback At Survivor Series
On Thanksgiving in 2023, Cena took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reposting an old video from their OVW days where they were just starting their wrestling journey. Cena expressed his gratitude to Orton, not just as a colleague but as a cherished friend. In a poignant acknowledgment of Orton’s remarkable 20-year career milestone, Cena posted a heartfelt message congratulating his longtime friend. It read:
“For 20 years @RandyOrton has cemented his legacy as 1 of the greatest @WWE Superstars ever. I have the utmost respect for every achievement he’s earned & CONTINUES to earn. But my genuine love & admiration for him is in his maturity & growth as a human being. Here’s to RKO!”
Cena’s admiration for Orton extends beyond milestone celebrations. When Orton made a triumphant return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 after recovering from an injury, Cena publicly acknowledged and praised Orton’s commitment to the craft. One of the most touching revelations about their friendship came from a podcast episode featuring Randy Orton’s wife, Kim. According to Kim, Cena not only agreed to Orton’s request to be present at his Hall of Fame induction but also conveyed a touching sentiment. She said on her Wives of Wrestling podcast:
“John texted him [Randy] a couple of days later and goes, ‘If I was on Mars, I’d make sure that I would be there for that for my friend,’”
This heartfelt commitment underscores the depth of their friendship, transcending the boundaries of professional obligations.
