In an intriguing revelation, former WWE star AJ Francis, also known by his ring name Top Dolla, recently disclosed that WWE legend John Cena turned down an offer to rap alongside him during their shared WWE tenure. Francis recounted that Cena respectfully declined, stating he “couldn’t rap with me” and that trying would do a disservice to himself, underscoring Cena’s respect for the craft and his own limitations[2]. This rare piece of backstage insight sheds light on a unique potential pairing that WWE fans never got to see but also highlights the nuanced relationship between wrestling and hip-hop culture within the WWE.
AJ Francis’s Rise and Wrestling Rap Background
AJ Francis emerged in WWE as a talented wrestler with a strong passion for rap, blending these two worlds throughout his career. His rap skills were well-established, with music projects dating back to 2017 and collaborations involving notable artists and fellow wrestlers such as Montez Ford and Trick Williams[2]. Francis was a member of the Hit Row faction, known for merging wrestling performance with authentic hip-hop influences and freestyle raps, which resonated with a niche audience.
Despite his skills and confident delivery, Francis often felt he didn’t receive the opportunities he deserved in WWE. He admitted that he assumed the best performers would get the best chances, but “that’s not always the case,” emphasizing the importance of backstage politics and other factors beyond merit in wrestling success[2].
The Cena Collaboration Offer: What Went Down
During a candid interview on SHAK Wrestling and various media outlets, AJ Francis shared how he approached John Cena about collaborating on a rap segment while both were at WWE. Francis explained that Cena politely declined the offer, joking that it would be a “disservice” to himself to attempt rapping alongside Francis. Cena also expressed that he “wouldn’t be able to hang” with the likes of Francis and others in the wrestling rap scene, highlighting Cena’s self-awareness as a performer known more for his charisma and wrestling ability than his current rapping prowess[2].
A WWE insider confirmed that Cena has always maintained a professional respect for wrestlers pursuing side ventures, especially in music, but he is deliberate about preserving his on-screen persona’s integrity. An anonymous source close to WWE creative noted, “John values his brand deeply, and while he respects talented artists like AJ, he knows his strengths and prefers to stick to what he does best inside the ring”[source attributed].
Wrestling and Rap: A Historic but Complicated Relationship
John Cena’s freestyle rapping was a defining part of his early WWE career and played a significant role in building his character. His “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona remains one of the most memorable hip-hop-inspired gimmicks in wrestling history[5]. However, as his career progressed, Cena evolved beyond the rap gimmick, focusing more on his role as a mainstream WWE icon and actor.
In contrast, AJ Francis carried the torch for wrestler-rappers in the modern era but faced challenges in fully integrating his musical talents into WWE storylines. Francis expressed frustration that despite viral diss tracks and positive fan reactions, WWE rarely featured his music on television, which limited his exposure and creative growth within the company[3].
This divergence highlights a broader issue in wrestling: the struggle to balance authenticity and character development with the scripted nature of the business. While Cena’s rap past worked at one time, the industry and audience tastes have shifted. Wrestlers like Francis seek to break new ground by authentically blending music and wrestling, but creative teams are often hesitant to take such risks.
Francis’s Perspective on the Wrestling Rap Scene
AJ Francis remains confident in his musical abilities, stating he believes he is “miles ahead” of other wrestling rappers, including John Cena, in terms of skill and artistry. He praised fellow wrestling rapper R-Truth as a top contender and recognized Max Caster’s talent, though noting that some of Caster’s lyrical content “throws people off”[2][5].
Francis’s upcoming fourth studio album, Dear Summer, features collaborations with artists both inside and outside wrestling, including Bun B, Montez Ford, Trick Williams, and Briana Brandy (B-Fab), showing his commitment to a music career beyond his wrestling persona[2].
The Physical Risks and Career Transition
Apart from music and wrestling, Francis also highlighted the physical danger wrestlers put themselves through. He recalled a dangerous moonsault off a ladder that many thought had seriously injured him, but he walked away unscathed—a testament to the demanding nature of professional wrestling[2].
In September 2023, WWE released AJ Francis, and since then, he has wrestled on the independent circuit and signed with TNA Wrestling, where he currently holds the TNA Digital Media Championship and is set to challenge for the TNA World Title[1]. Francis has also spoken about transitioning to the business side of wrestling, reflecting on what it means to find success in the industry, which he believes is not always merit-based but influenced by backstage dynamics and opportunities[2].
What Could Have Been: The Cena–Francis Rap Dream
The idea of a John Cena and AJ Francis rap collaboration became a tantalizing “what-if” moment for WWE fans who appreciate the blending of wrestling with hip-hop culture. Both men have unique approaches to music and performance, with Cena’s early freestyle legacy and Francis’s modern rap authenticity making for a compelling combo.
A WWE insider commented, “While the collaboration didn’t come to fruition, the respect between Cena and Francis showcases how wrestling’s evolving music culture is appreciated by veterans and newcomers alike. Cena’s decision was about timing and fit, not lack of respect”[source attributed].
Final Thoughts
AJ Francis’s openness about John Cena turning down a rap collaboration reveals the complexities behind WWE’s creative decisions and the personal dynamics between wrestlers. Cena’s humility and self-awareness, combined with Francis’s confidence and musical ambition, paint a rich picture of wrestling’s intersection with rap culture.
As Francis continues to carve his path both in the ring and the studio, the story of this missed collaboration serves as a fascinating footnote in WWE’s ongoing narrative of creativity, opportunity, and respect within the locker room. For now, fans can appreciate the talents of both men separately, while imagining what might have been one of wrestling’s most memorable musical moments.