After Floyd Mayweather defeated Big Show in a blockbuster bout at WrestleMania 24, the WWE seemed to look forward to another boxing legend for a wrestling match – Manny Pacquiao.
The Filipino star has been in the news recently for his goal of winning an Olympic Gold Medal, following his controversial comments surrounding homosexuals that caused Dave Batista to cut all ties with the boxing icon.
This has led people to look back at his career, noting that in 2011 there were rumors for Manny Pacquiao to wrestle John Cena in what would have been one of the biggest matches of all time.
Speaking with the Filipino TV station ABS-CBN News, John Cena was asked about a potential match against Manny Pacquiao, both in a boxing match and a professional wrestling match.
Cena claimed that he would be knocked out in the first round in a boxing match, claiming that Pacquiao is simply too quick for the 16-time WWE Champion.
He then went on to say that, if it were a wrestling, the bout would be much closer, but that Cena would have to work on his quickness to have a chance of winning.
“I think it would be very quick, and the decision would be obvious.” John Cena said to ABS-CBN News, “Manny Pacquiao will knock me out in the 1st round. If Manny will enter the WWE, I would have to work a lot on my quickness. He is lightning quick.”
“So just give me a little bit of warning if he decides to (enter the WWE). I have a lot of respect (for Pacquiao). He’s done so much, not only for the Philippines. His popularity has transcended.”
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather were both rumored to be taking part in WrestleMania 29, although the pair eventually did not play any part in the show that held John Cena vs The Rock’s rematch for the WWE Championship.
Would you have liked to see Manny Pacquiao wrestle in the WWE? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Hamish is a writer and podcaster and wrestling fan who is a key part of the Atletifo team.
After playing countless hours of WrestleMania X8 on the Gamecube, he discovered Rey Mysterio getting his head crushed by The Great Khali, and thus a love for professional wrestling was born.
He is also a Media Graduate, as well as writing for multiple sites about Premier League football and the culture of Wales – his home country.
