Few things are as prized in the realm of professional wrestling as the time spent in the ring alongside a legendary figure. Former WWE star Donovan Dijak’s dream came true when he faced off against John Cena. After his WWE contract, Dijak reflected on his experience with a blend of pride and nostalgia.
In a detailed discussion on the “Wrestling With Things” podcast, Dijak shared the details of the events that resulted in his memorable meeting with Cena. It was not an ordinary match; it was a dark match that took place after the July 26th episode of “WWE Raw” in Kansas City, Missouri. But what made it special was that the legendary Cena specifically requested to face Dijak and his then-partner, Mace.
“I got to wrestle John Cena — and a lot of people don’t know this, but it was a tag team match between me and Mace, my tag partner, and John and Matt Riddle as a post-show dark match,” Dijak recounted with enthusiasm. “Once I heard that he was retiring and I’m obviously no longer with the company, so [I thought] there goes any chance of me working him ever again. I was just kind of happy that I got the chance to work with him the one time. That was his choice; I was told that he went to Vince [McMahon] and he asked to work with me and Mace. So we were honored to hear that, we were thrilled to hear that.”
Beyond the Match: A Masterclass in Wrestling Wisdom
The encounter with Cena was more than just a physical battle for Dijak; it was a learning opportunity that had a lasting effect. Cena recognized for his skills in wrestling and his careful method, dedicated time to teach important lessons to the emerging star. This meeting wasn’t just a peak in my career; it was a lesson in the skill of wrestling.
“We were able to talk with him about the match and his philosophy and risk-taking and taking calculated risks and things like that. A lot of that stuck and resonated, and I’ve been trying to apply that, and I’ve been working on some of the cadence stuff that he works with and some of the communication stuff that he works with, listening to the crowd … all those sorts of things,” Dijak said, reflecting on the profound influence Cena had on him.
A Personal Connection: Massachusetts Pride
Adding a personal touch to their professional encounter, Dijak fondly recalled the connection he shared with Cena beyond the squared circle. Both men hail from Massachusetts, a shared heritage that only deepened their bond. The relationship wasn’t just limited to their wrestling personas; it extended to their personal lives, with Cena’s father having once managed Dijak on the indie wrestling circuit.
“Just on a personal level, he was just a super nice guy,” Dijak reminisced, highlighting the warmth and humility of Cena. “It was just nice to be around him and to talk about life and stuff like that and, you know, I hope one day that I can be on movie sets with him too because I know he’s going to do that for a very, very long time.”
Looking to the Future: Hollywood Ambitions
While John Cena gets ready to retire from wrestling and focus on his successful acting career, Dijak feels motivated to do the same. The ex-WWE wrestler, who has always looked up to Cena’s move from wrestling to acting, now aims to make it in Hollywood.
Dijak’s admiration for Cena extends beyond their time in the ring. He’s keen to emulate the path that Cena has blazed, hoping to make his mark in the world of film. With the same determination that carried him through his wrestling career, Dijak now dreams of one day standing alongside Cena, not in a wrestling ring, but on a movie set.
