Ric Flair recently dropped a revealing story about how WWE officials put the brakes on John Cena’s wild nights out during their overseas tours after some extravagant partying went out of control. The WWE Hall of Famer opened up about those infamous days when Cena, freshly crowned World Champion, threw caution (and cash) to the wind under Flair’s “champion lifestyle” coaching.
“Act Like a Champion”: Flair’s Influence on Cena’s Partying
During a candid chat on a popular wrestling podcast, Ric Flair explained how he encouraged Cena to embrace the high-roller lifestyle expected of a top WWE star. Flair humorously confessed that he told Cena: “If you’re going to be the world champion, you need to act like the world champion. That means paying for all the drinks because you’re making the most money.”
This led to a legendary party binge on European tours where Cena famously picked up tabs that ran into the tens of thousands of dollars. WWE personality Jonathan Coachman once detailed how Cena went on a 9-day straight celebration, footing the bill for food and drinks for everyone around him[1].
Flair says those wild nights, while memorable, reached a point where WWE management had to step in “because things got a little too out of hand” overseas[3].
The $10,000 Bender That Triggered WWE’s Ban
According to Flair, there was one particularly excessive night that cost Cena about $10,000. That extravagance caught WWE’s attention, prompting them to reportedly instruct Cena to cool it on the partying with Flair. Flair joked that WWE essentially “banned” Cena from joining him on those wild nights to prevent further financial and professional fallout.
A backstage source close to WWE confirmed: “John was living it up, but WWE had to draw the line. They told him to tone down the partying during tours or face consequences.”
Cena’s Reputation vs. His Nightlife Escapades
John Cena’s image has long been that of the model professional—embodying Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect. His disciplined, no-nonsense approach won the admiration of millions of fans worldwide. So, these stories of $10k benders and late-night extravaganzas come as a surprise, contrasting sharply with his clean-cut persona.
Yet insiders note that Cena was young, fresh in the spotlight as a world champion, and under the influence of a legend like Flair, who’s well-known for his off-duty partying. As one WWE insider put it: “Cena was learning from the master. Ric showed him what it meant to ‘live like a champion,’ though sometimes that meant crashing hard.”
Flair’s Wild Legacy Continues Through Cena’s Stories
Ric Flair’s legendary status is tied not just to his in-ring achievements but also to his notorious lifestyle, which included many tales of partying and excess. This story about Cena adds another chapter to that legacy, showing how Flair’s influence extended beyond wrestling technique into life lessons—some costly.
Flair’s comments also highlight how WWE now manages its stars more carefully, balancing their personal freedom with professional responsibilities, especially as the company grows more corporate.
Cena and Flair’s Relationship Today
Despite those intense partying days in the past, Flair and Cena have a respectful relationship marked by mutual admiration. Cena has even referenced Flair on WWE programming, with Flair responding in kind, ensuring their shared history remains part of wrestling lore[2].
Sources close to both men indicate they enjoy a “brotherly bond,” often sharing memories of the old WWE road days but maintaining professionalism as Cena winds down his wrestling career.
This insider glimpse into WWE’s backstage culture reveals the pressures and expectations on rising stars like Cena and the powerful mentorship figures like Flair provide. But it also shows the limits WWE places to keep its talent fit for the spotlight.
Ric Flair’s cautionary tale to John Cena acts as a vivid reminder: even champions need boundaries when celebrating their success.
“WWE had to step in,” said a former WWE road agent, “because while partying is part of the lifestyle, it can’t endanger the company or the performer’s career.”
This story cements one of wrestling’s most colorful backstage episodes, as the champ’s wallet paid the price for living the champ’s party life.
