Austin Theory wrestled the biggest match of his career at WrestleMania 39 when he took on John Cena.
It is no secret that Theory was inspired by Cena to be a wrestler, and he got the chance to step into the ring with his hero at the biggest event of the year.
Speaking to NBC Chicago, Theory reflected on the bout.
"John Cena's dream came true getting to step in the ring with Austin Theory. Sure, at eight years old, he was my motivation and inspiration to be a WWE superstar, but when I got here, I was like, 'Man, I'm too good at this.' I'm the greatest United States Champion," he said in-character before offering a more grounded perspective. "To have that opportunity and moment, just pausing time, and being in the ring with John Cena, somebody that, I remember seeing a poster when I was leaving a wrestling show and it had John Cena on it, advertising Raw. I was like, 'Man, who is that?' I remember watching the next week and I wouldn't stop watching every single Monday and it was John Cena that inspired me. That full circle moment at WrestleMania and beating him, it's pretty surreal."
Theory is the reigning WWE United States Champion and will defend his title against Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed in a triple threat match at WWE Backlash.
Cena has not appeared on WWE programming since losing to Theory.
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