Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena appeared on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” to promote season two of the “Peacemaker” series. Cena’s presence inspired NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley to wrestle.
John Cena Influences Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley to Throwdown in WWE-Style Match
The “Peacemaker” series will premiere on Max on August 21. Cena was a guest on “Inside the NBA,” where they aired a sneak peek of the new season. A full teaser is set for release this Friday. On that same day, the Last Real Champion will return to “Friday Night SmackDown” to confront his challenger, Randy Orton, one last time before WWE Backlash on May 10.
“Inside the NBA” panellist Charles Barkley admitted to being a wrestling fan. However, he was not too pleased with Cena’s heel turn. Nevertheless, Barkley pointed to Cena’s overall success in the professional wrestling industry and from there to Hollywood stardom.
Regarding the wrestler-turned-actor’s smooth transition to Hollywood, Cena said, “Life has awarded me so many unbelievable opportunities. Am I surprised about that? Can I swear on the program? Oh — f*ck yes, I am surprised.”
Later, an impromptu match, Shaquille O’Neal pinned Charles Barkley, with Cena standing beside watching the NBA legends go at it.
SHAQ & CHUCK WRESTLING MATCH 🚨
The Fellas felt inspired with John Cena in the building 😂 pic.twitter.com/Op64GpVzXq
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2025
The “Peacemaker” show was created by James Gunn, the creator of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. The first season aired in 2022.
Meanwhile, John Cena’s first feature film release of 2025 is set for July 2. He reunites with British actor Idris Elba to portray the United States President in the new film, “Head of States.” The movie will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
John Cena Rumored to Defend Undisputed WWE Title Against His Career’s Best Rivals in 2025
As part of his WWE farewell tour, John Cena is facing Randy Orton this Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. He is also rumored to be facing his old foes Sheamus, AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, The Miz, and CM Punk through the summer.
Cena won the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 Night Two, where he defeated Cody Rhodes. He has labeled himself as the Last Real Champion, promising to “ruin wrestling” before he retires in December with the top prize of the industry.
Meanwhile, The American Nightmare is nowhere to be found. Interestingly, though, WWE has used Rhodes for the SummerSlam poster, which also features John Cena, sparking speculation as to whether a WrestleMania rematch is in the works.