“They’re Above Us” – John Cena Once Revealed a Former WWE Manager and a Referee as “The Most Intelligent People” He Has Ever Met

John Cena had an amazing rise in WWE which saw him become the company’s top star three years after his debut. He saw remarkable success and became WWE’s most bankable star of the Ruthless Aggression era. His charisma, mic skills, and ability to draw the attention of the fans helped him become the top guy in the company. However, Cena does credit two people for the success he’s had.

The WWE has had multiple people behind the scenes helping the new wrestlers. Among them was the most prolific manager; the other was a referee turned wrestler. But who were they?

John Cena says Jim Cornette and Danny Davis could turn anyone into a wrestler

Cena got his start in pro wrestling in the Ultimate Pro Wrestling promotion back in 1999. He moved on to the WWE in 2001. After signing the contract, he started at the Ohio Valley Wrestling developmental system. He went under the name ‘The Prototype,’ making him stand out from others like Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista. 

During this time, he did an interview with the Wrestling Observer in 2001. During this, he shed some light on his training and what he learned. Cena said, “Danny Davis and Jim Cornette arts are to be the most intelligent people I’ve ever come across as far as the wrestling business.”

Davis worked with Vince McMahon in military school. Post that, he worked as a referee in the WWE before turning into a wrestler. On the other hand, Cornette is a respected name in the wrestling community thanks to his work as an on-screen manager and knowledge of wrestling. 

Both men have played a massive role in the lives of many wrestlers who started during the 80s to early 2000s. Cena continued, “They know everything, and they won’t necessarily try to change your style, they’ll take what they got, and they’ll make you better.” This was about Cornette’s wrestling know-how and how he managed and shaped wrestlers. According to Cena, who was just a year in the company, they took what he brought and made it better. 

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He concluded by saying that “They’re above us,” referring to the level of quality that the two brought to the company. With Davis and Cornette’s knowledge, many wrestlers got introduced to the WWE. Yokozuna, Owen Hart, the British Bulldog, Vader, and many more owe their careers to Cornette. Davis managed the Hart Foundation before wrestling as ‘Dangerous’ Danny Davis. Even stars like Lesnar and Orton credit Cornette for making them who they are today. 

Cornette created Hell in a Cell, Triple Threat and much more

There are several promotions that Cornette worked on apart from the WWE. These include TNA, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, WCW, etc. He joined in his early 20s, and by the time he was 30, he had changed the face of the industry. Cornette was the first to speak openly about WCW during a televised WWE show which McMahon hated. In addition, he also promoted the ‘Shoot’ interview that felt fresh compared to the scripted nature of the WWE.  

Something that only hardcore wrestling fans know is that Cornette was the one to pick the Hell in the Cell concept for McMahon in 1997. Similarly, he had a hand in creating the Triple Threat match idea. Cornette also helped shape one of WWE’s most memorable characters, Kane. Thus it is no surprise to see that such a great mind helped influence WWE’s Franchise Player John Cena in his early days.

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