Shawn Spears: Say What You Want About John Cena’s Wrestling, He’s One Of The Greatest Workers Ever

Shawn Spears recalls working with John Cena. 

In 2007, John Cena ventured to Ohio Valley Wrestling to defend the WWE Championship against Shawn Spears, who won a battle royal to earn the opportunity at the title. 

The bout took place at Paramarx Arena in Louisville, Kentucky at OVW Six Flags Summer Sizzler Series. 

Speaking to Colt Cabana on Art of Wrestling, Spears reflected on working with Cena. 

“It was the most stressful, ridiculous, perfect storm of what could possibly go wrong. Kentucky Kingdom is an outdoor show. It’s a nice stadium, holds 83,000 people. We had an eight-match card, but because there was a severe rainstorm…I think Jerry Lawler was on the show, but me and John would go last. There was a crazy downpour and the matches went from eight to three. John wasn’t there yet. The good saving grace was that Cody [Cody Rhodes] talked to John beforehand. John asked him, ‘who is this guy, what’s he all about?’ Cody said some good things. When I ran into John, he said, ‘Cody said some good things about you, we’ll be good, we’ll do this, this, and this,’ and then he walked off. ‘Okay.’ We went out there, it’s pouring rain, I went out first, he comes out on a hummer with soldiers walking beside him and the place was deafening. It was crazy. If you’ve ever been in a wrestling ring when it’s been wet, I’m assuming most haven’t, but it’s like ice. When people sweat, people slip, and someone can get really hurt. The fear was, if this guy goes down, it’s on my watch. They’re going to look at me. To his credit, he is one of the absolute professional athletes on this planet. A lot of people will give John slack about his wrestling ability, say whatever you want about his wrestling ability, he is one of the greatest workers, and there is a difference between working and wrestling, he’s one of the greatest workers of all time,” said Spears.

Spears ended up being released by WWE in 2009. After a run on the independent scene, he returned to NXT in 2013. 

Spears is currently signed to AEW and competed in the Over Budget Battle Royal at AEW All Out. 

Fans can find Fightful’s coverage of AEW All Out by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review of all the action by clicking here. 

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