Ric Flair has issued a rebuttal to John Cena’s bold assertion regarding his intent to erase Flair from the WWE annals. In a recent episode of WWE Raw, Cena delivered a provocative promo aimed at wrestling enthusiasts, declaring his ambition to “ruin wrestling”by clinching the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 and retiring as champion, thereby tarnishing the title’s legacy.
Cena further claimed that achieving this win would mark his 17th world championship victory, officially surpassing “The Nature Boy’s”longstanding record of 16 world championship reigns. Notably, Cena had initially matched Flair’s record in January 2017 while defeating AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at that year’s Royal Rumble.
“At WrestleMania, I make history by winning a 17th Championship, and I finally force you to forget the name of the fun machine, jet-flying, ‘woooo’ Ric Flair. You will forever say the name John Cena […] I will be the last real champion in WWE.”
Ric Flair Responds to John Cena’s Claims
Flair Stands with the Fans
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Flair acknowledged Cena’s recent heel turn but firmly contested the notion that Cena’s potential 17th title reign could diminish his (Flair’s) legacy.
“Well, I’m just glad I’m alive after the life that I’ve led to be here and hear it.. ..But I got news for John [Cena]. They’ve been trying to get rid of the ‘Woo’ for 50 years. The ‘Woo’ ain’t going away. Neither is Ric Flair. And the odds of him winning the 17th World Title are astronomical,”Flair commented.
“I think [turning John Cena heel] is the coolest thing they could have done,”Flair added. “I think it’s great. As a matter of fact, I was hoping he’d win the Royal Rumble. That was a great finish there too. I’m excited for him.. ..You know the saying. If they are talking about you, you’re doing something right.”
Notably, Flair has not made an appearance on WWE programming since 2021. In the time that has elapsed, he competed in his official retirement match and briefly joined All Elite Wrestling leading up to Sting’s retirement match in March 2024.
The Impact of Cena’s 17th Championship
Examining Cena’s Claims
While it’s accurate that no wrestler has officially retired holding the WWE Championship, the lineage of this prestigious title is riddled with complexities. Over the years, this championship has been vacated approximately a dozen times due to injuries and controversial booking decisions. Cena has played a role in some of these disruptions, notably in 2007 when a torn pectoral muscle forced him to relinquish the title during his reign.
There’s a notable irony in Cena utilizing rhetoric reminiscent of the harsh criticisms he faced throughout his career. Should he triumph over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, there is speculation that he might even revive the WWE Championship “Spinner Belt”for one last hurrah. Regardless of the outcome, one fact remains undeniable: the legacy of Ric Flair will endure, irrespective of Cena’s championship pursuits.