John Cena Reflects on William Regal’s 25‑Year‑Old Praise

During a podcast, Cena recalled that Regal had told him, years earlier, that he needed a pair of wrestling boots to look like a proper wrestler. The remark, made after a dark match, stuck with Cena and resurfaced when he retired at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

In his final match against Gunther, Cena still wore his signature sneakers, but Regal later praised him, saying, “Even without boots, you’re still a proper wrestler.” The comment was a full‑circle nod to the 25‑year‑old feedback that had shaped Cena’s career.