John Cena reveals injury return timeline to Larry King, talks motivation to keep wrestling, Ric Flair, Stone Cold, why he’s not into UFC, more

Injured WWE star John Cena says he expects to wrestle again by the end of April/early May.

While in Los Angeles doing media for “American Grit,” Cena told Larry King that “I’m pushing to try and get back within the month, if I can.”

Asked what motivates him to get back in the ring so quickly after major reconstructive shoulder surgery, Cena replied, “The feel of satisfaction you get from live performance.”

Cena was cleared for physical activity at WrestleMania when he made a surprise appearance to help The Rock. Cena joked to Larry King that he was hiding in a broom closet during the day since he “wasn’t supposed to be there.”

Cena was also asked about being close to Ric Flair’s marketed 16 World Title reigns. Cena dismissed the number, saying, “I have so many more things I would like to accomplish, and that’s on a very side list, I’d say.”

One thing he would have to have on his resume is a match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who is essentially retired. Cena identified Austin as the legend he would most want to wrestle.

The topic of UFC also came up. Cena was dismissive, saying he does not want to take anything away from the fighters, but he sport “doesn’t resonate with me because I’m a storyteller.” Cena added, “I enjoy the story we can tell in the ring. I think we do it better than anyone.”

[ The Full Interview is Live at Ora.TV . Quotes transcribed by Ora. ]