John Cena knows what it's like to be a polarizing figure in the squared circle and amid controversial fan reactions to Roman Reigns, the "Cenation" leader said that the ruler of the Roman Empire needs to stay the course.
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Reigns seemed earmarked for a title win against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31, but Seth Rollins was booked to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and thwart the plans. During Reigns' run to the top, which included a controversial 2015 Royal Rumble Match win, the crowd turned on him.
Cena, who has had "F--k You Cena" chants peppered at him in the past and remains a polarizing figure every time he steps through the curtain, told talkSPORT that he believes Reigns needs to keep doing what he's doing.
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"The advice I have for Roman is just be yourself because at this point if you try to change who you are to cater to the audience, especially the audience that is chanting, they will eat you alive," Cena told the affiliate. "Over the 13 years I've been here in WWE, I get more obscure chants than anyone else. But the fans know I love this, they know I show up all the time for all the events, they know I put my life on the line, they know I pour my heart out and although they chant I think there is - or I'd like to hope there is, anyway - that underlying respect there. He will be fine as long as he remains true to who he is. If Roman tries to change who he is or tries to redefine himself that authenticity will be gone so he just needs to stay the course and keep doing well."
Reigns will battle The Big Show in a Last Man Standing match this Sunday at Extreme Rules from the Allstate Arena in Chicago.
Cena, meanwhile, will defend his United States Championship against Rusev on Sunday in what will mark their third straight pay-per-view and WWE Network encounter.
Rusev defeated Cena at Fastlane in February while Cena picked up a victory at WrestleMania 31 to capture the title last month. Cena talked about their third encounter.
"Rusev is big, and bad," he said. "I always say he's a three-hundred pounder that moves like a two-hundred pounder and has the strength of a four-hundred pounder. But I've been in the ring with a lot of folks. I'm ready for anything - and I learned at Fastlane that I have to keep my eyes out for Lana, too. She was put in check at WrestleMania so I think I've got all the bases covered with him. I'm really proud to be U.S. champion, not only because I'm patriotic but because of what I want to do with the championship, I have a vision for that championship. I want to take it to a new level and I'm not going to let a guy like Rusev stop me."
Lastly, Cena talked about the ongoing open challenges he's been issuing on television lately for the United States Championship.
"I really think the WWE is filled with an enormous amount of talent. The complaint from the WWE Universe - and I listen - is they want new Superstars to be given a chance," he said. "So I'll open it up. I'll give everyone a chance. But if they don't bring their best, I'll absolutely destroy them and be fully content with that. However, I'd like to think a championship match will bring out the best in folks and those that have accepted [including the likes of Dean Ambrose, Stardust and Bad News Barrett] have all entered unbelievable efforts. I say keep your eyes on the U.S. open challenge because you don't know what you're going to see next."
Cena vs. Rusev and Reigns vs. Big Show are part of Extreme Rules live this Sunday night from the Allstate Arena in Chicago.
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