John Cena doesn’t see himself in the same company as Michael Jordan or LeBron James, even though all three have crossed into the world of Looney Tunes.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated‘s Greg Cally ahead of the release of “Coyote vs. Acme,” Cena discussed the movie, his WWE career, and the lessons he has picked up from more than two decades as a performer. The conversation eventually turned to Jordan and James, who both previously starred alongside the Looney Tunes characters in the “Space Jam” films.
“The Cenation Leader” was asked about being called the GOAT by WWE fans and following Jordan and James into the Looney Tunes world. Cena’s answer was characteristically self-deprecating.
“Uh, so I learned that I am not Michael Jordan nor LeBron James. I really do appreciate the six degrees of separation connection. Um, man, yeah, I kind of learned to play within the goalposts of my talent, strengths, and gifts. And maybe if I could grow a little bit as a performer in a journey with my animated friends, I would consider that a win.”
Rather than measuring himself against two of basketball’s biggest stars, Cena focused on knowing his own strengths and continuing to develop as a performer.
John Cena Stars In “Coyote vs. Acme” After The Film’s Unusual Road To Theaters
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
“Coyote vs. Acme” is now set for a U.S. theatrical release on August 28, 2026, finally bringing the long-delayed project to the big screen.
The movie has had a complicated road to release. Warner Bros. shelved the completed film in 2023, a decision that drew considerable backlash from fans and those involved with the project. Ketchup Entertainment later acquired the film’s distribution rights, giving the comedy a second chance at a theatrical release.
In the film, “The Cenation Leader” stars as Buddy Crane, an attorney representing Acme Corporation, while Will Forte plays Kevin Avery. The story follows Avery as he takes on Wile E. Coyote’s case after the cartoon character suffers a series of mishaps involving Acme products.
The movie blends live-action performances with the classic Looney Tunes characters. For Cena, the project also offers another chance to build his acting resume. Michael Jordan and LeBron James previously entered the Looney Tunes world through the “Space Jam” films, but Cena is taking a different path with “Coyote vs. Acme.”
Rather than trying to follow their formula, the 17-time World Champion appears focused on making the role his own.
