John Cena reflects on working with Austin Theory.
John Cena delivered some harsh truths to Austin Theory ahead of their clash at WrestleMania 39, saying that he was failing and that the crowd wasn't caring. Cena felt comfortable giving the message because he had been through what Theory was experiencing, back when he was first introduced on WWE SmackDown in 2002.
Speaking on WWE After The Bell, Cena provided more insight into the "non-focused silence" that Theory was going through.
"My biggest fear was apathy. That non-focused silence. There is even the sound of focused silence, but that non-focused silence is when you're dead in the water. It was one of my main points, the last time we spoke, back when I was speaking about Austin Theory. Nothing I said to Austin out there, I wouldn't say to his face. We still talk on a regular basis and I still try to bestow on him advice. I think he's working more towards connecting with the audience, but I could hear the silence of apathy when he would perform. I know it is because I had plenty. I single-handedly ruined the Ruthless Aggression Era by completely failing, being the Ruthless Aggression guy and failing. I know what apathetic silence sounds like and that was my one fear," he said.
Cena and Theory would meet at WrestleMania 39 with Theory picking up the victory.
Elsewhere during the interview, Cena discussed what his retirement plan might look like in WWE. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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