John Cena Explains What He Admires Most About CM Punk

John Cena speaks on what he admires most about CM Punk while discussing the pair’s rivalry and their iconic matches over the years.

At Money In The Bank 2011, Cena and Punk would face off in one of the most iconic matches over the last two decades, with Punk capturing the championship in shocking fashion at the event, continuing the pair’s iconic rivalry.

While speaking at Fantatics Fest, John Cena spoke about the bout in 2011 after being asked about it by Joey Karni. 

“That might have been like one of two matches that wrestling critics were like, ‘Eh, he’s OK–but it wasn’t because of him, it was because of the other guy,’” said a smiling Cena. “I think what that shows is when you have two names that span such a long test of time, it shows the individuals’ passion for what they do. If you’re not passionate about being in wrestling, you are weeded out quick. You might get a push to the top, you might get a chance, you might get a championship. If you’re not passionate, a 10-year career, a 15-year career, a 20-year career doesn’t happen.”

Cena continued, revealing what he admires most about Punk.

“The fact we can talk about wrestling 15 years ago, and he’s got the championship and he’s main-eventing Madison Square Garden right now, regardless of the trajectory that Phil Brooks has been on–I wish he never took a break but that’s his personal journey and choice–his passion has obviously always been there, and it still is. And that’s the thing I admire most about him.”

Elsewhere in the same interview, Cena also reflected on his match with Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza last year. You can read more about that here.