John Cena 'Feeling No Guilt Nor Shame' About Vince McMahon Friendship

John Cena has, once again, been unequivocal in his love for Vince McMahon, telling The Guardian that he feels "no guilt nor shame" about his relationship with the former WWE CEO.

"I have no guilt nor shame about my friendship and my relationship with Vince McMahon. You’re obviously going to put this in [your] article. It's OK to love somebody when they’re not perfect," Cena stated.

Cena's friendship with Vince McMahon has come under scrutiny in recent years after McMahon was accused of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and physical and emotional abuse by former WWE employee Janel Grant in a January 2024 lawsuit. The case moved to private arbitration earlier this year. It also emerged in 2022 that McMahon had signed nondisclosure agreements with several women who accused him of sexual abuse, paying them millions of dollars as part of those agreements.

Despite the allegations against McMahon, Cena has repeatedly stated his love for the 81-year-old, noting that he doesn't care who hears that he loves his former boss.

Having retired from in-ring action in December 2025, John Cena remains signed to WWE in an ambassadorial role. He has been a central figure in the promotion of Club WWE and the 17-time world champion is behind the John Cena Classic, an event that is scheduled to take place for the first time later this year.