John Cena and Ric Flair are strong candidates for professional wrestling's Mount Rushmore. WWE recognizes each man's 16 world title reigns as records. Yet Cena wouldn't consider himself, "The Nature Boy" or any WWE Hall of Famer as the greatest pro wrestler. Cena gives that honor to an active performer, Roman Reigns.
Cena made the case for Reigns as the greatest of all time during a recent conversation with Shannon Sharpe. Cena pointed to Reigns' longevity in the WWE main event scene and how the company's business grew during Reigns' recent stint as undisputed WWE universal champion.
"I don't think there is a better breathing example of the best the business has ever been than Roman Reigns," Cena told "Club Shay Shay" on Wednesday. "It's amazing that I'm saying a still active talent, with years in front of him, is the greatest of all time. He's been in it since 2012. I had to work my way up. I started on the bench and then got on to the Saturday program, lost every match. He came in with The Shield and a really high-level spot and never wavered. Even when fans didn't like him, he was still in a main event spot. He's been in a main event lens for over a decade.
"In 2012, the stock was trading at $11. WWE/TKO stock is now at $117. That's on his shoulders. There isn't a better indication, and I know it's a team effort, and nobody does it alone, but that, to me, is some serious shit. I have to give respect where it's due. [Roman] is smart, passionate about the business, multi-generational athlete. Has respect for his family, the locker room, the business. He's a very smart performer and someone I respect. He'd be my greatest of all time."
Reigns has been a cornerstone for WWE despite performing part-time in recent years. His 1,316 days as universal champion is the fourth-longest world title reign recognized by WWE. Reigns simultaneously took the No. 7 spot on the list thanks to his 735 days as WWE champion while holding both titles.
The Anoaʻi family has become a focal point of WWE programming with Reigns as The Bloodline's "Tribal Chief." The faction and multi-year storyline have elevated family members like The Usos and Solo Sikoa. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Reigns' cousin, aligned with The Bloodline in the leadup to WrestleMania 40. The Rock has a solid GOAT case as a 10-time world champion and pro wrestling's most enduring Hollywood crossover star. Cena gave The Rock his flowers but insisted he was a step behind his cousin in the GOAT chatter.
"Rock would be second. He did the same thing in the '90s," Cena said. "This is the one time I can say this because Rock's numbers are always number one, Roman's numbers have been better than Dwayne's."
Cena is preparing to embark on his WWE retirement tour which concludes at WrestleMania 41 on April 19 and April 20. Despite the impending end of his in-ring career, Cena revealed that he's signed a contract extension with WWE that runs through 2025.
"I have such a trustworthy relationship with them," Cena said. "Over two decades. I am a champion of the brand. I love the company. It is my home. They are my family. Even after 2025, I've already signed an extension to remain a member of the WWE family for the near, mid, and long-term future. I don't think there will be a beat of my heart where WWE blood doesn't come out of it."