TMZ Sports is featuring an interview with WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry (above) where he is asked about John Cena reportedly refusing to work the Crown Jewel event.
Cena, who was officially replaced by Bobby Lashley on the show this week, was originally scheduled to take part in the WWE World Cup tournament.
While WWE and Cena never officially commented, the belief is that he made the call to not work the show in response to the disappearance and later confirmed death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Daniel Bryan also pulled out of the show as well.
Henry commented on Cena’s decision to not work the show.
“I would never say, you know, that person is making the wrong decision. I would say, that is not the decision I would make. I would stand by my guns and I would do what is good for business. I’m a firm believer in not letting people out to dry. Our fans, you know, they want to see you. Give our fans what they want.”
Variety profiles Vince McMahon
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is listed among the Variety 500, described as an index of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global $2 trillion entertainment industry.
“A lifetime devotee of the sport, McMahon led the venerable wrestling organization to record revenues this year ($281.6 million in Q2 alone, up 31 percent year over year) thanks largely to increases in subscriber growth for its streaming outlet WWE Network and licensing fees for content and merchandise.”