Variety has an in-depth look at John Cena expanding into Hollywood. Despite Cena’s popularity, he was unknown to Judd Apatow and Jason Moore, directors of The Nest. Cena had to try out for that role and the role in The Trainwreck. Apatow said of Cena:
“I wasn’t so familiar with his other work, so I had no bias. I just saw him as an actor who was riotously funny. We read a bunch of people, and he was by far the funniest. Then he came and did a table read before we shot the movie, and got more laughs than anyone. He is a great improviser. He has a great sense of humor, and is the most professional person I have ever met.”
Vince McMahon also commented in the article:
“John’s passion for our business along with his charisma, work ethic and integrity have made him a global superstar and role model. John also has extraordinary business instincts and an insatiable thirst for knowledge which translate to any medium and are keys to his success.”
The article noted that Cena is a company man to the core as they asked him to take off his trademark WWE cap but he declined and said, “They don’t pay me to promote my hair cut.” Cena also commented on not changing his image and turning heel:
“When you do that, everything you said, everything you stand for gets erased. It’s a poor business decision.”
