John Cena said his 17th world title win at WrestleMania 41 mattered more to the business than it did to him.
The win moved Cena past Ric Flair’s recognised total. Speaking at Fan Expo Canada, Cena said the first reign is the one he values.
“The logical answer is the first one, right? Because you can’t have the story without the first one. Seventeen was important, but not personally important. I think it was important for the industry,” Cena said.
He said breaking the record was about showing the next generation that the number is reachable.
“Anytime a record stands for a long time, you think it’s impossible. Anytime you can eclipse that, I meant what I said, I can’t wait to shake the hand of the person who wins 18,” Cena said. “I just wanted to send a message to the young talent, especially if you’ve got some really young talent who have their whole careers in front of them. You can put this in your head as a number, as a goal, and it’s achievable.”
Cena pointed to his Intercontinental Title win in Boston as the more enjoyable moment.
“My family was there. I got to be in the ring with an incredibly young and talented individual,” he said.