Nikki Bella Says Bayley’s Backstage Vibe Reminds Her of John Cena
It’s always a strange day when John Cena gets brought up in a conversation with his ex, Nikki Bella. It’s even stranger when it’s to compare him to… Bayley? Yes, that Bayley. In a recent episode of The Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki Bella dropped a comparison that probably made a few people spit out their coffee. She claimed that Bayley’s presence backstage is so significant that it reminds her of the one and only John Cena during his prime.
Let’s unpack that for a second. We’re talking about John Cena, the guy who was the face of WWE for over a decade. The man whose absence was felt like a black hole in the locker room. And now, according to Nikki, Bayley carries that same heavyweight presence. It’s a massive compliment, to be sure, but it also feels like comparing a really great garage band to The Beatles. No offense to Bayley, who is a phenomenal talent and a Grand Slam Champion, but Cena was on another level of superstardom.
Still, Nikki was adamant. She explained how, back in the day, when Cena would vanish to film another Marine sequel (seriously, how many were there?), the entire vibe backstage would shift. “Everyone would say like, ‘Wow, you miss his presence,'” she recalled.
“It’s like John has such a strong presence when he walks down the hall… you would miss his presence when he’s gone.” Apparently, Bayley now commands that same level of “where’s Pam?” energy when she’s not around. It’s a bold claim, but if anyone would know what Cena’s presence felt like, it would be Nikki.
A History of Cena and Nikki
For those who might have been living under a rock or just took a break from wrestling gossip, John Cena and Nikki Bella were WWE‘s ultimate power couple for years. Their relationship was a central plot point on the reality show Total Divas, culminating in a very public proposal at WrestleMania 33. It was the kind of fairytale moment that wrestling fans either love or love to hate.
Of course, that fairytale had a less-than-happy ending. The couple famously split due to “personal differences,” a phrase that is vague yet telling, fueling speculation for years. Most rumors suggest that their disagreement over having children was the final straw.
It’s a bit of a sore spot, which makes Nikki’s casual comparison of Cena to a colleague all the more surprising. It seems enough time has passed for her to reflect on his professional impact without any lingering bitterness. Either that, or she’s just really good at keeping a straight face.
Does Bayley Really Have “Cena” Energy?
So, is there any merit to Nikki’s comparison? Bayley is undeniably a locker room leader. As one of the Four Horsewomen, she helped revolutionize women’s wrestling in WWE. She’s a multi-time champion and has consistently been a top performer, whether as a huggable babyface or a conniving heel. Her dedication is unquestionable, and it’s easy to believe she has a lot of influence behind the scenes.
However, John Cena’s influence was different. He wasn’t just a top star; he was the top star. His work ethic was legendary, and he was the standard-bearer for the entire company. When Cena was backstage, he was known for watching every match, giving advice, and leading by example. It wasn’t just about being a great wrestler; it was about being the living embodiment of WWE’s “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” mantra.
Maybe what Nikki is seeing is a similar dedication to the craft. Bayley has proven she can carry a division and mentor younger talent. She’s a veteran presence in a locker room that’s constantly evolving.
So, while she might not have the same global megastar aura as Cena, she could very well be filling that same leadership void for the women’s division. It’s a different scale, but the principle remains the same. It’s a testament to Bayley’s growth and the respect she’s earned from her peers, even if the Cena comparison feels a tad over-the-top.
