Looking back at his matches against John Cena this year, Cody Rhodes expressed how blessed he was to be able to step into the ring with his idol and explained that he couldn’t just focus on that mid-match, but push Cena hard in respect of his farewell tour. “He has given everything, as far as you can possibly give, body-wise and mind-wise, to the industry,” Rhodes noted about Cena.

Additionally, he praised the legend for his work in the film industry, noting that Cena has always been in the business of selling a story or experience. “You hear these stories of him going on set all over town, here, and being the most professional guy you’d ever met. The most prepared guy you’d ever met. I think John has tons of natural talent,” Rhodes expressed. “He had tons of talent for being a professional wrestler, but the thing he’ll be remember for is the work – is the work ethic he had.”

“To wrestle a person who gave me his playbook, who was the model for how I like to be as a babyface professional wrestler, … how I would work seven days a week, the rhythm of wrestling and going to every town, to be able to stand across from a guy who was your mentor, … it’s really rare you can stand across from that guy, look him in the eye, and not just be grateful and thankful, but also hope he sees you and go ‘Ah, there he is,'” Rhodes stated, going into depth about just how deep his respect is for Cena.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “ALL THE SMOKE” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.