#2423 - John Cena
The Joe Rogan Experience
2025/12/05
#2423 - John Cena
#2423 - John Cena
The Joe Rogan Experience
2025/12/05
In a wide-ranging conversation, John Cena and Tony Hinchcliffe dive into the worlds of professional wrestling, stand-up comedy, and personal transformation. Their dialogue reveals how discipline, cultural awareness, and resilience shape success across entertainment industries.
John Cena reflects on his decade-long Mandarin study to connect with Chinese audiences, only to face backlash over a misstep regarding Taiwan—teaching him that language alone doesn’t equate to cultural fluency. He traces his evolution from a nearly fired wrestler with a controversial white hip-hop persona to a 23-year icon, saved by authenticity and audience connection. Both Cena and Hinchcliffe highlight the grueling dedication required in WWE and comedy, where perseverance outweighs raw talent. They discuss pain tolerance, recovery methods in sports, and the shift from live events to media-driven content. The conversation underscores that long-term success stems not from perfection but from embracing failure, adapting identities, and committing to growth. Cena’s transition from wrestling to acting illustrates the humility needed to rebuild after setbacks, while Hinchcliffe draws parallels between improvisational comedy and staged drama. Ultimately, both emphasize that excellence emerges from consistency, mentorship, and showing up—even when unprepared.
00:03
00:03
John Cena spent ten years studying Mandarin to help WWE break into China
05:03
05:03
Knowing a language doesn't mean understanding the culture.
09:59
09:59
It was my fault — I take full responsibility for the Taiwan statement.
17:00
17:00
Tony was offered a WWE writing job before his first Netflix special.
23:56
23:56
Chris Bell directed 'Bigger, Stronger, Faster' and later became addicted to pills during his documentary on addiction
28:43
28:43
Being used to pain makes it more tolerable, like developing a taste for hot sauce.
30:57
30:57
Cadaver tendon grafts allow quicker, less painful recovery than patella tendon grafts.
38:15
38:15
In WWE, performers work together to put on a show, unlike UFC where the best person wins.
45:07
45:07
Talent alone isn't enough to succeed; discipline and stage presence matter more.
48:30
48:30
The audience reaction led to continued matches over 23 years
52:28
52:28
An accidental freestyle rap on a tour bus led to one of wrestling's greatest heel turns.
54:57
54:57
Cena jokes about having a 'degree in pro wrestling' and a 'master's in heel-dom'.
1:00:03
1:00:03
Bringing out Joey Diaz instead of an expected political endorsement electrified the crowd.
1:04:57
1:04:57
Even with 14 years of experience, a comic may still struggle on stage due to the unpredictable nature of live performance.
1:13:05
1:13:05
Dominic Mysterio cheats by ringing the bell with a hammer, delighting the crowd
1:17:50
1:17:50
Learned to fail in non-televised events
1:30:10
1:30:10
Capitalizing on just 30% of life's moments puts you in the top 1%
2:06:02
2:06:02
IShowSpeed has the athleticism and charisma to be a real WWE contender
