While some fans question WWE’s decision to call John Cena the greatest of all time, long-time rival and former Cena hater CM Punk believes there is no doubt who is the GOAT.
The discourse on the GOAT rages in almost every sport or art form. It is a fun conversation, and professional wrestling is no different. For many years, names like The Undertaker, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan were at the top of most lists.
However, WWE has not hidden its company stance for years that Cena is the GOAT, and they have pushed the idea during his yearlong retirement tour. “The Unseen 17” has a real case to be considered the best to ever do it in a WWE ring. Yet, there are still many among the fan base and industry analysts who disagree.
One person who has a great knowledge of the wrestling biz, in and out of WWE, is CM Punk. His thoughts on the GOAT debate hold weight. He is also a legend who loves the stars who came before him. That fact, along with being an adversary of Cena in front of and behind the camera for years, would make it seem like he would lean away from agreeing with WWE’s stance.
However, Punk is actually on board with Cena being called the GOAT.
“We’re calling him the GOAT. It’s very subjective, but in my lifetime, in my career, somebody who always led by example, box office superstar, charismatic through the roof, great on the mic, does all the PR — over the last 20 years, 100% the GOAT,” Punk told Mostly Sports about Cena.
For fans who care purely about wrestling, it is understandable if they prefer Hart, Flair, and Michaels over Cena. However, Punk’s point makes the most sense for what makes the best ever in an industry that is equal parts sport and entertainment.
Cena was a massive box office star and still is today. He is one of the true greats on the microphone, and after his haters for many years claimed he wasn’t a good wrestler, he has been in many classic matches, especially later in his career.
