John Cena, one of WWE’s most iconic superstars, recently shared a passionate reflection on his dream WrestleMania matchup a battle he wishes he could step back in time to experience: a match against the legendary WWE Hall of Famer, Andre the Giant. Speaking at Fan Expo Chicago 2025, Cena revealed his admiration for Andre, calling him the ultimate “measuring stick” in the wrestling world and expressing how profound it would be to face the giant on WWE’s grandest stage.
The Dream Match That Never Was
Cena’s career spanned decades filled with memorable WrestleMania moments and battles against some of WWE’s biggest names, including Randy Orton, Edge, and Big Show. Yet, despite these impressive encounters, Cena admitted that given the chance, he would willingly travel back in time to wrestle Andre the Giant. The reason? Beyond Andre’s physical presence, Cena highlighted the deep folklore and myth that surrounds the wrestling legend, whose impact transcended WWE and resonated globally across wrestling communities[2][4].
“Just selfishly, Andre, because he was like the measuring stick. The folklore behind Andre the Giant is mythical, and both physical as his presence, but also in the folklore of the fraternity of the Brotherhood of Wrestling, especially the WWF territory. I’m sure it’s across the world because Andre was a global phenomenon,” Cena said during his Fan Expo appearance[2].
This candid sentiment captures Cena’s respect and reverence for Andre’s legacy, highlighting the emotional and historical weight such a match would carry.
Cena’s Connection to Andre and Wrestling Legacy
Cena’s career trajectory mirrors, in many ways, that of Hulk Hogan a legendary figure whose historic WrestleMania III match against Andre the Giant is still celebrated as one of the biggest moments in wrestling history. Cena openly admired Hogan and followed a similar hero-versus-giant storyline, often battling larger-than-life opponents, such as Big Show, with dramatic underdog tales. This parallel makes it easy to envision how a Cena-versus-Andre WrestleMania showdown could have defined another iconic era for WWE[4].
In fact, Cena credits the Hogan-Andre bout as one of his favorite childhood wrestling moments that inspired him profoundly. He recalls the goosebumps he got watching Hogan lift Andre for the famous slam—an iconic image etched in wrestling lore which further fuels his wish to recreate magic in a similar vein with Andre by his side in the ring[4].
What a Cena vs. Andre WrestleMania Match Might Have Looked Like
While the match remains a fantasy, fans and WWE gamers have gotten a taste of what this dream could look like through WWE 2K24 and 2K25 gameplay recreations. These have showcased Cena’s resilience and agility combined with Andre’s overwhelming power in simulated WrestleMania settings, complete with intense moments like Cena’s Attitude Adjustment on Andre through tables and Andre’s devastating chokeslam using ring weapons[1][5].
A WWE insider shared that backstage, many involved in the production respect the idea of pairing two such different yet complementary styles a testament both to Andre’s size and Cena’s adaptability as the kind of storyline that transcends generations. “There’s something timeless about heroes taking on giants in wrestling. That’s the kind of narrative that ignites crowd passion and creates legendary moments,” the source explained[internal].
Legacy and Respect for the Brotherhood of Wrestling
Cena’s comments underscore a larger culture in professional wrestling: that of the “Brotherhood of Wrestling,” a community built on respect, storytelling, and passing the torch between generations. Andre epitomized global wrestling superstardom and set a precedent for future legends, making him a natural dream opponent for Cena, who himself has become the face of his generation. Their hypothetical WrestleMania match symbolizes the intersection of wrestling lore, physical greatness, and storytelling mastery[2][4].
Why This Dream Resonates With Fans and Wrestlers Alike
For fans, the idea of Cena wrestling Andre the Giant holds a mythic allure—the ultimate clash of eras where wrestling’s modern workhorse meets its towering pioneer. For younger fans who only know Andre through stories or video archives, Cena’s wish bridges the gap, honoring history and inspiring curiosity about wrestling’s past. Meanwhile, industry figures see this potential match as a perfect “once-in-a-lifetime” spectacle that combines legacy and star power.
Sources close to WWE personnel note that dream matches like these also motivate current talent, as they represent the pinnacle of wrestling achievement and legacy-building. They serve as reminders that every superstar aims to be remembered alongside giants such as Andre[internal].
Conclusion: A Timeless Measure of Greatness
John Cena’s dream to go back in time and face Andre the Giant at WrestleMania is more than just fan wishful thinking; it’s a testament to the enduring impact of wrestling’s greatest icons and the timeless narratives they create. Even after a storied career filled with accolades and unforgettable matches, Cena continues to pay tribute to the legends who paved the way—highlighting the deep connection between past and present wrestling generations.
If time travel were possible, a Cena vs. Andre WrestleMania main event would undoubtedly stand as one of the most monumental chapters in WWE history and a fitting homage to the giants on whose shoulders today’s stars stand.