When a legend steps away, the ripple effects are felt across generations β and for rising powerhouse Oba Femi, that moment became deeply personal. Shortly after the emotional retirement match of John Cena, the young star revealed he received a piece of advice he says will shape the rest of his career.
Backstage was filled with emotion. Veterans embraced, production staff applauded, and superstars stood silently, understanding they had witnessed the end of an era. Cena, a figure who carried WWE for over two decades, had just walked out of the ring for the last time β not as a character, but as a man closing a lifelong chapter.
Oba Femi admitted he hesitated before approaching him.
βI didnβt want to interrupt such a moment,β he said. βBut I knew I might never get another chance.β
Summoning courage, the dominant NXT standout congratulated Cena and thanked him for inspiring countless wrestlers worldwide. What happened next surprised him.
Cena didnβt talk about championships.
He didnβt talk about fame.
He talked about responsibility.
According to Femi, Cena placed a hand on his shoulder and told him:
βPower gets attention β but consistency earns respect. If you want to stay here, learn to show up on your worst day better than others do on their best.β
The advice struck him instantly.
Femi explained that many athletes focus on moments β big wins, viral highlights, signature moves β but Cena stressed longevity. The real legacy, he said, comes from reliability: being the performer the company, locker room, and fans can trust every single week.
The Nigerian powerhouse reflected on how different the words felt coming from someone who lived it. Cena wrestled injured, carried storylines, granted wishes, and represented WWE outside the ring more than anyone in modern history.
βHe wasnβt speaking as a superstar,β Femi shared. βHe was speaking as a standard.β
Since that night, Femi claims he has changed his preparation entirely β focusing more on conditioning, discipline, and storytelling instead of just dominance. He now studies matches not to look impressive, but to understand pacing and connection with the audience.
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Oba Femi reveals the special advice he received from John Cena right after his retirement match in WWE π

