John Cena has once again stood by his relationship with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, saying he feels “no guilt nor shame” about their friendship.
John Cena addressed Vince McMahon during a new interview with The Guardian while promoting Matchbox: The Movie.
“I have no guilt nor shame about my friendship and my relationship with Vince McMahon,” Cena said.
Cena appeared fully aware that his comments would attract attention, telling the interviewer, “you’re obviously going to put this in [your] article.” The retired WWE star then explained why he still stands by his relationship with McMahon despite the controversy surrounding WWE’s former chairman.
“It’s OK to love somebody when they’re not perfect,” Cena said.
John Cena Continues To Stand By Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon resigned from his positions with WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, in January 2024 after Janel Grant filed a lawsuit. John Cena has repeatedly spoken publicly about his relationship with McMahon since then.
During an appearance on The Howard Stern Show in February 2024, Cena said he loved McMahon and described their relationship as one built over decades. He again expressed his support for McMahon during an April 2025 interview with The New York Times. Cena also discussed his continuing relationship with WWE and TKO during his latest interview, including the company’s ownership interest in the John Cena character.
“John Cena is who I am as a human being,” Cena said. “And there is a company – WWE/TKO – that has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the intellectual property of the character John Cena. And rightfully so; they have earned their share of ownership of that.”
Cena retired from in-ring competition after losing to Gunther at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. Although his wrestling career has ended, Cena remains associated with WWE as a brand ambassador. He has also announced the creation of the John Cena Classic, a WWE tournament that Cena has suggested could eventually develop into the company’s version of an All-Star Game.
