John Cena Once Destroyed NFL for “Worthless” Bodybuilding Test in Which He Beat Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Old Record

John Cena became popular during his WWE run for his ‘heroic’ against the odds victories, as well as an impressive physique. Before his success in the world of pro wrestling, Cena was a competitive bodybuilder. His beefed-up figure and build were some of the reasons WWE gave him a chance in the first place and then projected him as the company’s number-one guy later.

The Doctor of Thuganomics did well to maintain his well-cut physique throughout his WWE run and was known for his upper body strength, which he displayed on more than a few occasions in the ring. Hence, Cena is someone who knows a thing or two about bodybuilding and lifting weights.

Years ago, in an interview, the former WWE Champion shared his thoughts on the NFL Combine and which test he thought as ‘worthless’ in the Combine.

John Cena said NFL Combine could do better in one area

John Cena has been brutally honest when it comes to assessing himself in WWE. He took it on the chin and accepted the fact that he divided the fans as a babyface and was a polarizing figure. He spoke about it in the ring as well as outside it.

‘The Franchise Player’ was equally honest when he talked about his chances in the NFL. Cena also said which Combine test he thinks is not good enough and can be better.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2017, Cena said NFL would probably kick him out of the Combine as hated the bench press for reps test.

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Cena said, “I love a lot of the tests in the Combine. I hate the bench press for reps test. I think it’s the most worthless test of skill that they have at the Combine. And in an organization like the NFL, they’re going to come back with ‘Eh, what does the kid know?’ But I know a lot about strength and fitness. And upper body reps for a segregated weight for max is a horrible test for the Combine athlete.” 

Moreover, he added that the NFL needed to do better when it comes to the strength test. He stated, “I love the Agility test, I love the Sprint tests, Vertical Jump and all that stuff is really fun to watch. But, step your game up with the strength assessment, NFL. It’s not a good one.”

Interestingly, in 2015, Cena posted a video on Twitter, where he did a bench press of 463lb. That year NFL’s top calculated bench press was 473lb.

This also meant Cena surpassed the bench press record of the bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. When he was competing in the German Powerlifting Championships at his early golden days, The Austrian Oak’s bench press record was 441 lbs. However, Schwarzenegger later revealed that his career-best bench press is  525lb.

Still, John Cena’s feat was impressive in itself and his opinion on the NFL Combine bench press test holds weight since he has been an ardent bodybuilder from an early age. What do you think of Cena’s comments on the NFL? Let us know.

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