Rusev Credits John Cena for Wrestling Improvement & Timing Lessons | WWE News

The mentorship of John Cena played a pivotal role in Rusev’s development as a professional wrestler, according to the former WWE star. Rusev, speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, detailed the extensive learning experience he gained from working alongside Cena, not just in televised matches but through a remarkable number of live event encounters.

“I love that man, he taught me so much,” Rusev said of Cena. He estimated they wrestled approximately 1500 times on live events, a figure that dwarfs their roughly 10-15 televised matches, including a WrestleMania 31 showdown. This constant exposure, coupled with extensive travel, provided an unparalleled opportunity for Rusev to observe and absorb Cena’s approach to the craft.

The learning wasn’t limited to in-ring technique. Rusev emphasized the importance of simply listening and paying attention to Cena’s decision-making process. “Just learning from him, just listening, paying attention to what he does, why he does it, keeping my ears open, my mouth shut. And I’ve learned so much, man,” he explained. This willingness to learn from a veteran was a common thread throughout Rusev’s early career, as he also benefited from working with established names like Mark Henry and Big Show.

Rusev recalled the initial intimidation he felt when Big Show simply told him they would “see each other in the ring” without any prior discussion or rehearsal. “Like, that’s it? You’re just going to see me in the ring? Like, you’re 7-foot-2 and 500 pounds,” he said, reflecting on the daunting prospect of facing such a physically imposing opponent with little preparation. However, he acknowledged that these experiences, facilitated by veterans like Cena, Henry, and Show, ultimately prepared him for the challenges of a professional wrestling career.

Rusev made a return to WWE in 2025, but unfortunately didn’t get the chance to share the ring with Cena again before his retirement. Cena has since transitioned into a role as an ambassador for WWE following the conclusion of his in-ring career.

When asked to pinpoint the most valuable lesson he learned from Cena, Rusev highlighted the importance of timing and pacing. “Just timing, timing. Take my time,” he responded. He stressed that there’s no fundamental difference between a televised match and a live event performance, and that a perceived lack of crowd reaction is often a result of not delivering what the audience wants to see.

Cena’s attentiveness to the crowd dynamic was particularly impactful. Rusev described Cena’s process of gauging the audience’s mood – assessing whether a high-energy or more subdued approach was required. “Him listening, ‘Okay, is it high pitch? Is it low-pitch? Who’s out there tonight? What’s the vibe?’ He’s always there watching and learning the crowd as much as everything else… [You’ve] got to take your time and listen to the crowd. I think that’s the most important thing. Just listen to the crowd. They’ll tell you what to do.”

Since returning to WWE in 2025, Rusev has remained a visible presence on television, including a recent feud with Sheamus. Beyond his in-ring work, he has also embarked on a new venture, establishing Kech Pro Wrestling, a training academy in Nashville, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of professional wrestlers.

Rusev’s reflections underscore the enduring impact of mentorship in professional wrestling. His story highlights how the guidance of established stars like John Cena can be instrumental in shaping the careers of those who follow, and the importance of adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of a live audience.