John Cena On How Nikki Bella Changed Him As A Person

John Cena's fiancé Nikki Bella has changed Cena for the better, and that change has helped Cena succeed on WWE television, according to the 16-time world champion.

Cena appeared on Harry Connick Jr.'s talk show and talked about his proposal to the former Divas Champion. Cena said his relationship with Bella benefited him greatly in the ring because Bella gave Cena the opportunity show a more human side of him during WWE storylines and that those type of storylines are the ones he's succeeded at best.

Amir Khan On Potentially Crossing Over To WWE: That Is Something I’d Jump At

"She was very instrumental in breaking down the wall that I don't need to be this jagged, tough guy, badass all the time. So I've been very comfortable telling the world that I'm in love. She really has made the man I am today... We're in a profession of establishing dominance and trash talk and performing being tough and being larger than life. The best success I've had in the ring, actually, is when I had a genuine connection with the audience and a lot of that is showcasing failure and loss being vulnerable. That is directly related to my relationship with Nicole because I try to pull the tough guy route and she goes, 'No sir. You have to treat me like a lady and as an equal,'" Cena said. 

Cena proposed to Bella this past WrestleMania, when se said yes. The proposal came after Cena and Bella defeated The Miz and Maryse in a mixed-tag team match. Cena's comments can be seen in the video above.

Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Click here to learn more.