Add as a preferred source on Google Austin Theory revealed that John Cena tried to convince him to change direction in WWE after their match at WrestleMania 39. At the time, Theory was still the United States Champion and defeated Cena at SoFi Stadium in one of the biggest wins of his career.
During a recent appearance on IMPAULSIVE, Theory said he trained with Cena before the event and also had dinner with him to discuss the process behind the match. It was during that period that the veteran made it clear he did not see Theory as a long-term heel.
“I just remember him telling me, ‘You’re not a bad guy. I want you to be you.’ I remember being so confused because I was like, ‘Man, I’m this obnoxious, over the top, cocky heel.’ He’s like, ‘I feel like that’s not going to last too long. You’ve got to be yourself.’”
Theory also revealed that Cena tried to directly influence his creative future shortly after their WrestleMania 39 match, taking the matter to Vince McMahon.
“After the match, I remember Cena telling me, ‘Hey, I went and talked to Vince (McMahon), and I told him you’re not a bad guy. So hopefully that helps you become a good guy.’”
Despite the advice, Theory’s babyface turn never happened. He continued working as a heel, first as a singles wrestler, then alongside Grayson Waller, and more recently as part of The Vision.
Theory also spoke about the personal weight of sharing the ring with Cena, recalling that he grew up idolizing the “Cenation Leader.” He said he had a cardboard cutout of Cena in his room and that his grandfather always told him he just wanted to be in the crowd, with a hot dog and a Coca-Cola, when that match finally happened.