John Cena: I don’t care who hears it, I love Vince McMahon

John Cena is doubling down on controversial comments he’s made about Vince McMahon.

When appearing on the Howard Stern Show in February 2024, Cena said that he was still going to love McMahon and be his friend amid the sexual abuse allegations McMahon is facing. Cena described himself as a big advocate of love, friendship, honesty, and communication but said he also advocates for accountability. Cena said the allegations were a hill McMahon would have to climb.

Cena was again asked about McMahon in an interview with the New York Times published on Friday. Despite knowing it would anger people, Cena reiterated what he previously said.

“I don’t care who hears it: I love Vince,” Cena told the New York Times. “I’m not downplaying anything that needs to be decided or allegations of any kind, but when I love somebody, I love them wholeheartedly.”

He then added: “I know people are going to be angry about that, but they can’t put their value on my relationship with somebody I love.”

McMahon is no longer with WWE after resigning from the company in January 2024 in the wake of a lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant. The suit, which is still ongoing, accuses McMahon of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. McMahon has denied the allegations.

WWE and John Laurinaitis are also named as defendants in Grant’s lawsuit.

Ahead of his retirement in December 2025. Cena will compete at his final WrestleMania this Sunday. He’s challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 night two.