John Cena is familiar with Brock Lesnar’s intensity all too well.
Both a part of the legendary OVW class and both debuting on the main roster in 2002, Cena has crossed paths with The Beast on multiple occasions and has experienced Lesnar’s terrifying power and agility firsthand.
Speaking on WWE’s YouTube channel as part of the Break It Down Series, Cena discussed his clash with Lesnar at Extreme Rules 2012, which was Lesnar’s return match following an exit in 2004. Cena described the power of Lesnar while also praising his former rival for his generosity:
“Every one of those [strikes] are pretty decent hits (laughs). Man, Brock is one-of-a-kind, he truly is. I love watching him and I always tell you that I watch the people, it’s really difficult to ignore Brock. You’re in a fight for your life but he’s also the most giving, gracious performer.
Cena continued to praise the two-time Royal Rumble winner, putting him over as one of the best performers in company history:
He gives it all and there’s no way for you to question his legitimacy. There’s a ringside sign that says ‘legitimacy has returned’ and that says it all when it comes to him. I love Brock. As a performer I think he’s extremely underrated, even though he’s in that conversation for the greatest of all-time, and I love him as a human being.
Cena concluded his admiration of The Beast by appreciating the honesty and support of Lesnar over the years:
He is wholeheartedly himself and shoots you straight, let’s you know where you stand with him at all times and I really admire that about him. He’s been wonderful to me over the years, we matriculated together and we both have our different paths to success and we’re both rooting for each other. Constantly.”
The most surprising encounter between Cena and Lesnar came at SummerSlam 2014. At a time when Cena barely lost, Lesnar squashed Cena in the main event of the show with Cena barely getting any offence in, much to the shock of fans around the world.
John Cena Gives Back To WWE
Always one to show appreciation to the company that made him into a Hollywood star and household name, Cena will do all he can to help the next generation of stars if he makes a sporadic return to WWE. Rubbing shoulders with the stars of tomorrow, John Cena recently made his debut on NXT.
In the same episode, John Cena detailed the creative mind of another former rival, Bray Wyatt.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit Break It Down and leave a h/t to Inside The Ropes.