John Cena: I've failed more times than I've succeeded

YOU'RE WALKING through Mall of the Emirates, minding your own business when you hear someone yell out "It's John Cena!" Next thing you know, you're caught in a vortex of fans rushing around the gigantic man for a selfie. Such is the star power of John Cena. Whether you're a fan or not, whether you know his name, or recognise his face, know this - John Cena is very loved by his fans. And it's not in a frenzied, obsessed, annoying boyband kind of way. It's more of an awe inspiring, respectful appreciation for his larger than life attitude, and personas and to be honest, I think people of all ages can see that John Cena works hard and enjoys it. How can you not be a fan of that?

John Cena's roots are in professional wrestling. He is currently signed to WWE, where he is a free agent, appearing for both the Raw and SmackDown brands - this is where his initial fanbase began and where he believes he became a man. But don't let the whole big strong wrestler with not much to say cliché fool you - John Cena is one talented, smart guy. Since starting his career in professional wrestling, John Cena has been a reality star, rapper and an actor. And you know what? It seems, despite the criticism he's faced in the past, that he's made a success of whatever arena he decided to delve into.

From Sisters, Trainwreck, Daddy's Home 1 and 2 as well as appearing on the comedy show Parks and Recreation, John has acted in some pretty amazing movies with an impressive cast. He was recently in Dubai to promote his latest film, something a little bit different than what he's known for. John Cena voices Ferdinand in an animated film of the same name. Ferdinand that tells the story of a giant bull with a big heart. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure. Set in Spain, Ferdinand proves you can't judge a bull by its cover.
City Times caught up with John Cena while he was in Dubai to ask him all about Ferdinand, his career and how his wedding preparations are going with fiancé Nikki Bella. 

What are your thoughts on Dubai?
I love this city. I think it's a marvel of engineering. It's amazing to be surrounded by such wonderful people we have a huge WWE fanbase here so I'm constantly reminded that we are doing great work and there are a lot of fans here and that's great. There are moments when I look at the city and I'm just in awe, it's unbelievable. I always come here for work, but I'd like to say that working here is like being on a constant holiday. I love my work so there is no difference.

Why were you attracted to the role of Ferdinand?
Differences are always, obviously debatable. I was very drawn to Ferdinand because of the ethos of the story. It's a story that's over eighty years old and they decided to make it into a full-length animated feature. And for me to be chosen as the voice of Ferdinand that's an honour. A great honour.

How did you find being a voice actor as opposed to using your whole body in other roles that you've done?
Every new expedition in storytelling I guess is different. It's different, not difficult. The only reason it wasn't difficult is because of Carlos the director and every one of the animators at Blue Sky. They made me feel welcome, they made me feel comfortable, they encouraged me to be myself, they said they don't care if I look goofy, just go for it. 

How was it repeating the same lines over and over again with different emotions?
That was OK, that's why you put all the work in, so that when you see the movie on screen you're happy with it. And those folks at Blue Sky,  they have a great idea of the universe (they created) before you walk in, so they kind of know what they are looking for.

When you were in Trainwreck with Amy Schumer, you were genuinely funny. I think it's hard for actors to be funny on screen sometimes. Do you find that it comes naturally or is that something you work on?
Working on humour man.I definitely don't work on it. But at the same time, I think once again, whether it's an R-rated comedy or a family film. I told you the reason why it wasn't difficult to do Ferdinand is because I wasn't afraid to let my guard down. Trainwreck was a very similar situation, I wasn't wearing anything but a towel. So that alone is an embarrassing situation and embracing it for the comedy that it was and embracing the situation of awkward relationships, you know, struggles that relationships go through, I wasn't worried about looking cool or looking tough; I was enjoying the awkwardness of the moment and I think it translated into humour.

Is it hard to let go of those inhibitions?
I think. no matter what you do. If it's a very embarrassing situation like that or if it's voicing a talking bull I think you have to check the inhibitions at the door and that's what makes it interesting in film.

Do you think your wrestling career helped you with that process of letting go of those inhibitions?
It absolutely did. And that's a direct testament to the audience. In my life as a WWE wrestler there are a lot of people who like me and a lot of people who don't, so I've been called everything under the sun - I've dealt with some pretty adverse audiences. I've been criticised in every move that I've made. I don't want to say that I've heard it all but it's very difficult to catch me by surprise with something of ill nature. So amazingly enough, I love, I constantly tell our WWE universe that I love them, that I need them because they have helped me become a man and I'm very grateful for that. And I have great perspective on everything that I'm doing and everything that I've done and a lot of that is thanks to them.

You've done wrestling, you've done reality TV, you've done music - is there an area that you enjoy the most or feel the most comfortable?
No, I just think every one poses a different challenge and it keeps people interested in what you're doing.

Do you have a motto when you are approaching a new area that you know might get you some criticism?
I do and it's never give up. When you say that you've tried all those things to success. when you watch any of my movies back from 2005, 2006, 2007, never give up is a strong way to define how I feel about this whole journey - it doesn't happen overnight. I've failed more times than I've succeeded; it's just the ability to be persistent.

You're going to be in the Bumblebee movie from the transformers franchise, what can you tell us about that?
I think everyone who sees it is going to love it for sure.

How are the wedding preparations going?
It's slow but at least it's moving. Because of Dancing With The Stars it was put on hold but now at least we are moving in the right direction. I'm still extremely excited and can't wait for the day