John Cena doubles down on his earlier comment about former WWE CEO Vince McMahon

The 17-time World Champion recently defended his title at Backlash 2025!

Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena defended his title successfully against his career-long rival Randy Orton at Backlash 2025, last week in St. Louis. This was his first title defense of his 17th World title reign, which began at WrestleMania 41.

The 17-time WWE World Champion is set to battle R-Truth, as per reports. Cena put R-Truth through a table during the Backlash post-show press conference, despite Truth having helped him during the match. The shocking betrayal might lead to a clash between the two.

Cena received severe backlash from fans after he reaffirmed his love for former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, before his main event clash against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. During his conversation with The New York Times, Cena’s comment about McMahon generated a lot of buzz among fans, but the 16-time Champion doesn’t seem to care. 

“I don’t care who hears it: I love Vince. I’m not downplaying anything that needs to be decided or allegations of any kind, but when I love somebody, I love them wholeheartedly. I know people are going to be angry about that, but they can’t put their value on my relationship with somebody I love.” Cena Said.

John Cena is not surprised by the fans’ reaction over his comments

During his appearance at Amazon’s upfront presentation, Cena was asked by US Weekly if he was surprised by the fan reaction to him saying he loved Vince McMahon. The 17-time World Champion stood by his comments and stated that everyone is entitled to their opinion.

“No, because everyone’s entitled to their opinion. Just like I am entitled to have an emotional connection to somebody.

I don’t hold anybody to how they feel or what they view as permissible or things that make them happy, angry, excited, sad. That’s their right as a human being, I’m not surprised by any of that,” Cena stated.

Vince McMahon resigned as WWE CEO and chairman in June 2022, following claims of hush-money agreements over affairs with former WWE employees. He later returned to the promotion in early 2023 to facilitate the sale of the company.

In 2023, WWE was merged with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to form TKO group by their parent company Endeavor Group Holdings in April. McMahon returned to serve as the executive chairman of the newly merged company, TKO Group Holdings (TKO).

Vince later resigned from his position at TKO Group in January 2024 following allegations of trafficking and assault. The TKO deal is the first time that the promotion is not entirely owned and operated by the McMahon family.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.