Austin Theory has revealed that John Cena was key in the process that led to his heel to babyface turn in 2023. According to him, Cena even spoke to Vince McMahon to tell him that Theory was not a natural villain and that he should show more of his own personality.
Theory pointed out that this advice seemed strange to him at first, because at that time he saw himself as an arrogant and exaggerated heel. Still, he recalled that Cena insisted that he shouldn't try to sustain that character if it didn't come out organically.
That whole process was crazy. Even the promotion and the conversations with him. I even went to his gym, we had dinner together and talked. I remember he told me: 'You're not a bad person. I want you to be yourself'. And I remember feeling very confused because I thought: 'Man, I'm this hateful, exaggerated and conceited heel'. And he told me: 'I don't think that's going to last long. You have to be yourself'.
The wrestler also reminisced about the personal importance of facing Cena at WrestleMania 39 for the United States Championship. For Theory, that moment was special not only professionally, but also because of the emotional bond he had with Cena since childhood.
"I replied: 'How am I going to do that? I'm a bad guy'. I even remember he repeated it to me after the match at Mania. I have a photo of when I was a kid holding my little brother, and I had a cardboard cutout of Cena in my room. He was always my idol. So just having that match with him, and how incredible it was throughout the whole experience, that will stay with me forever. Something cool: my grandfather has always been like a father figure to me," he explained.
"When I was a kid, he told me: 'The only thing I ask of you is that, when you face John Cena, you bring me a hot dog and a Coke from the crowd when that happens'. I told my girl that day, and she brought them. God, what an amazing moment, you know what I mean? After the match, I remember Cena told me: 'Hey, I went to talk to Vince (McMahon) and told him you're not a bad guy. So I hope that helps you become a good guy'".
In the same interview, Theory also defended that his time with Money in the Bank deserved better development. He recalled feeling like his story could have had more depth and a stronger conclusion before losing momentum.
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