John Cena rates Roman Reigns as WWE’s best player over The Rock: ‘Roman has better stats than Dwayne’

John Cena and Ric Flair are strong candidates for professional wrestling’s Mount Rushmore. WWE recognizes each man’s 16 world titles as a record. Yet Cena does not consider himself, “The Nature Boy” or any WWE Hall of Famer to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time. Cena gives that honor to Roman Reigns, an active performer.

Cena called Reigns the greatest of all time during a recent conversation with Shannon Sharpe. Cena pointed to Reigns’ longevity in WWE’s main event and how the company’s business has grown during Reigns’ recent tenure as WWE Universal Champion.

“I don’t think there’s a better example of who’s the best performer in this business ever than Roman Reigns,” Cena told “Club Shay Shay” on Wednesday. “It’s amazing that I’m saying that an active talent, with many years in front of him, is the greatest of all time. He’s been in it since 2012. I had to work my way up. I started on the bench and then came to the Saturday program, lost every match. He came in with The Shield and a really high-level spot and never wavered. Even when the fans didn’t like him, he was still in the main event. He’s been in the main event lens for over a decade.

“In 2012, the stock was trading at $11. WWE/TKO stock is now at $117. It’s on their shoulders. There’s no better sign than that, and I know it’s a team effort, and nobody can do it alone, but for me, it’s a huge deal. I have to give respect where it’s due.” [Roman] He’s smart, passionate about the business, a generational athlete. Respectful of his family, locker room and the business. He’s a very smart performer and I respect him. He’ll be the greatest athlete of all time to me.”

Reigns has been a cornerstone for WWE despite making part-time appearances in recent years. His 1,316 days as Universal Champion is the fourth-longest world title reign recognized by WWE. Reigns ranks 7th on the list due to his 735-day reign as WWE Champion while holding both titles.

The Anoa’i family has become a focal point of WWE programming, with Reigns as The Bloodline’s “Tribal Chief”. The faction and multi-year storyline have featured family members such as The Usos and Solo Sequoia. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Reigns’ cousin, aligned himself with The Bloodline in the lead-up to WrestleMania 40. The Rock has a solid GOAT case as a 10-time world champion and pro wrestling’s most enduring Hollywood crossover star. Cena gave The Rock his flowers but insisted he’s a step behind his cousin in GOAT chatter.

“The Rock will be number two. He did that in the ’90s too,” Cena said. “This is the only time I can say that because The Rock’s numbers are always number one, Roman’s numbers have been better than Dwayne’s.”

Cena is preparing for his WWE retirement tour, which will culminate at WrestleMania 41 on April 19 and 20. Despite the imminent end to his in-ring career, Cena revealed he has signed a contract extension with WWE that runs until 2025.

“I have a very trusted relationship with them,” Cena said. “For over two decades. I’m the champion of the brand. I love the company. It’s my home. They’re my family. I’ve already signed an extension to remain a member of the WWE family for the near, mid- and long-term future, even after 2025. I don’t think there’s a beat in my heart that doesn’t bleed WWE.”