John Cena Says Entire WWE Career May Not Have Happened If Not For Brock Lesnar What-If

During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Cena was asked about what might have been had The Rock not bailed on the Cena vs. Cody Rhodes feud. Cena responded, “Who cares? It doesn’t matter."

He added:

"We can talk about what could have been until the cows come home. And I think that’s what’s great about the people who are left standing. Certainly me and Cody. What’s the change? This? All right, let’s go.”

He explained, “I don’t dwell for one second on what could have been,” he continued. “Because what could have been is Brock doesn’t leave for the NFL and there’s no John Cena.”

What If Lesnar Hadn't Left For the NFL?

When Lesnar exited WWE to pursue other avenues of employment, he left a massive void at the top of the card. The Beast Incarnate suddenly decided he didn't want to go through the grind of the WWE travel schedule any longer, leaving the company without its most dominant young star.

Searching for a talent who could step up, Cena slid into that space, ultimately becoming the face of WWE for more than a decade.

Without that opening on the roster — or the need for WWE to give Cena a mic and start rapping— things might have unfolded very differently.

This is not to say Cena didn't earn every bit of success he ever achieved. Sometimes, a window has to open when a door closes. That's what arguably happened in Cena's case. Still, he doesn't look back and wonder how things would have been if not for that moment. He took the ball and ran with it, ushering in an era of Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.

Whether Cena openly credits Lesnar's departure as a reason for his own success is debatable. However, the humility is worth noting. He is keenly aware that hard work is a big part of what makes something successful, but so is timing. It could be one of the reasons we're hearing now that Cena's big retirement show on Saturday will heavily feature NXT talents.