Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
John Cena Says Randy Orton Tied His Boots Before WWE Debut
John Cena says Randy Orton tied his boots together before his WWE debut in 2002.
Cena made his first WWE appearance on SmackDown in Chicago on June 27, facing Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist.
He said he had been brought in as an extra and was told only later that he would wrestle.
Unable to reach his boots, Cena cut the laces and wrestled with half of them.
He also said he went off-site for a haircut that he considered one of the worst viewers had seen.
Cena described the prank and other rough treatment as humbling but welcome.
Orton later became one of Cena’s greatest rivals, and Cena is set to appear on Raw and NXT.
John Cena said Randy Orton tied his boots together before Cena’s WWE debut match.
Cena said he had to cut the laces and wrestle with half of them.
The debut took place on the June 27, 2002 episode of WWE SmackDown, where Cena faced Kurt Angle.
Cena described the prank as part of his welcome to WWE and said he was grateful for the experience.
- Who
- John Cena said Randy Orton tied his boots together.
- What
- Orton tied Cena’s boots together before Cena’s WWE debut match. Cena cut the laces and wrestled with half of them.
- When
- Before Cena’s WWE debut on June 27, 2002.
- Where
- In a locker in Chicago, according to Cena.
- Why
- Cena described it as tough love and part of his welcome to WWE.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cena said he went to Chicago as an extra talent who was not expected to be used.
Cena said he was told he would face Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, and Orton tied his boots together.
Cena made his WWE debut against Kurt Angle on SmackDown.
- Debut date
- June 27, 2002
- Debut opponent
- Kurt Angle
- Prankster
- Randy Orton
- Boots
- Cena said he cut the laces and wrestled with half of them
- Location
- Chicago
What people are saying
Randy Orton tied my boots together in a locker where I couldn’t even reach them, so I had to cut the laces and wrestle with half of my laces.
That was my welcome to the WWE, and it was better than I ever could have imagined.