By the time 2007 rolled around it was clear that John Cena was being positioned as the face of the WWE. However, Cena suffered a torn pectoral muscle during a match in October of 2007 and it was estimated that it would take six months to a year for him to recover.
John Cena shocked the world when he returned three months early at the 2008 Royal Rumble and won the 30 man Royal Rumble match. Recently the former WWE Champion talked about his return and he explained how he was able to get back in the ring ahead of schedule.
“So I completely respect James Andrews who did the surgery and Kevin Wilkin, who did help me with physical therapy. They have to put a realistic timeline on their work. And that timeline is based on the construct that you do physical therapy three times a week. I would do physical therapy three times a day. And I moved to Birmingham, and my goal as a professional was to get back on the field in a safe manner.
So because I just did a lot, six days a week, you heal. I was pretty much put in a heal tank, I didn’t have to go back. The reason they say six months for a pec tear, is because a lot of people that tear their pecs, maybe they did it during recreational sport, or maybe they’re a student athlete, or they have other responsibilities, people’s got families or whatever, you have to split time.
I was like, a physical therapy Terminator. Show up for the morning session, go get some food, show for the noon session, go get some food, show up for the afternoon session as they’re closing. Alright guys see you in a few hours. And I just did that for three months. And everyone Dr. Andrews was fine, Kevin was fine, I passed all my tests. And I passed it like two and a half months in and the Rumble was coming up. And they’re like, Okay, we’ll keep it a secret. I don’t want to advertise you. Because I don’t even know if you’re gonna be there.”
H/T Inside The Ropes
