Ric Flair Responds To John Cena's Claim About Ruining Wrestling By Breaking His Record

Ric Flair has finally responded to John Cena's latest claim about erasing him from the WWE record books. Cena appeared on this week's WWE Raw to deliver another scathing promo at the WWE fans, claiming he'll "ruin wrestling" by winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 and retiring as champion to "ruin" the title's lineage.

He also pointed out how the win would give him his 17th world championship, officially surpassing "The Nature Boy's" recognized record of 16 world championship reigns. Cena tied Flair for the most reigns back in January 2017 when he beat AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at that year's Royal Rumble.

"At WrestleMania, I make history by winning a 17th Championship, and I finally force you to forget the name of the fun machine, jet-flying, 'woooo' Ric Flair. You will forever say the name John Cena [...] I will be the last real champion in WWE."

Ric Flair Claps Back After John Cena's Claims He Will Be Forgotten

"The Nature Boy" Appears To Be on the Side of the WWE Fans

Ric Flair with his arms raised in ESPN's 30 for 30

Flair responded to Cena's statement in an interview with TMZ Sports' Mojo Mutahdi. While he applauded Cena's heel turn, he pushed back against the idea that Cena's 17th championship reign would somehow erase the legacy of "The Nature Boy."

"Well, I'm just glad I'm alive after the life that I've led to be here and hear it. ...But I got news for John [Cena]. They've been trying to get rid of the 'Woo' for 50 years. The 'Woo' ain't going away. Neither is Ric Flair. And the odds of him winning the 17th World Title are astronomical," Flair said.
"I think [turning John Cena heel] is the coolest thing they could have done," Flair later added. "I think it's great. As a matter of fact, I was hoping he'd win the Royal Rumble. That was a great finish there too. I'm excited for him. ...You know the saying. If they are talking about you, you're doing something right."

Flair hasn't appeared on WWE television since 2021. In the years since then, he competed in his official retirement match and had a brief stint in All Elite Wrestling leading up to Sting's retirement match in March 2024.

Does Cena's 17th Championship Reign Ruin Wrestling?

There Are Some Holes in Cena's Logic

While it is true that no wrestler has retired as WWE Champion, the lineage of the company's top prize is far from unblemished. Whether it be due to injury or booking decisions, the title has been vacated roughly a dozen times since 1963. Cena himself was directly involved in a few of those cases, including in 2007 when a torn pectoral saw his year-long WWE Championship reign come to an abrupt end.

However, there's plenty of poetic irony in Cena using the same language his harshest critics hurled at him for so many years. And perhaps, if he beats Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, he'll twist the knife even further by reviving the WWE Championship "Spinner Belt" for one last ride. One thing is for sure, however: regardless of whether John Cena wins his 17th championship or not, the name of Ric Flair will never be forgotten.