By Chris Walters on April 13, 2004 at 4:38 PM EST

Thank's to Richard Trionfo for sending in the f0llowing:

Between the Ropes interviewed the United States Champion and Doctor of Thuganomics, John Cena, to discuss his new DVD release 'Word Life', his upcoming CD, and other matters related to the WWE.

The interview began with talk of the DVD, and was asked if he was surprised that it was released so early in his career. John was surprised but he feels that it is very cool. He talked about the pressure, but says that he
does not feel it because he is just being himself. He said that he is trying more with the crowd, and they are embracing him more. He feels that the company does not have a great understanding of the hip hop culture so
nobody is telling him what to do. His on screen persona is what he is behind the scenes.

Talk moved on to what the WWE can do for the hip hop market. He feels that by allowing him to wear the throwback jerseys, the Reebok Pumps, or the steel chains it is building a bridge to the hip hop community. John talked about his recent cover shoot with Method Man.

John was asked about his CD and whether he is seeking advice from rappers. He wants the people to know that what they listen to is him, and what he loves about rap. He wants the rappers to know that he is a bigger fan of
theirs than they might be a fan of his. He said that it will be tough to get the concept of a rap album from a wrestler over with the crowd, and hopes that other ventures into the genre by wrestlers will not be what they
are comparing him to. The album is scheduled to be released June 8th.

John was asked about the availability of Reebok Pumps, but would not divulge his source because the product is out of production. He wanted to bring it out as part of his character because of the throwback persona.

He was asked about being on Wrestlemania and being the opening match. He enjoyed being in the opening match because he provides something different for the crowd. He feels that it provided the right flow for Wrestlemania.
He tries to interact with the crowd as well as his opponent. John was asked about being in front of the crowd at Madison Square Garden, and he felt that it was the most moving experience.

John was asked about his knee, and he said that it is now at 100%. It was a partial tear of his MCL, and he is as good as he ever has been. John is also coming off a wrist injury. John said that the doctors do not understand
that an injured wrestler cannot take time off because they wrestle four times a week.

John said that his main objective is to show people that whether you like him or not, that if you like hip hop, you will like wrestling because it is OK.

John was asked about the recent events in the company including the departure of Brock Lesnar. John did not think that Brock was unhappy, and he was surprised that Brock wanted to leave because Brock was the 'franchise'. He said that he received about 'a day's notice' of him leaving. John said that Brock was responsible for making his character what it is today. He said that you have to respect the decision that he made.
John said that he hopes that Brock will come back, and he wishes Brock the best in whatever he does.

Between the Ropes airs every Wednesday from 10:00 p.m. to Midnight Eastern on 740 the Team in Orlando, Florida. The show can also be heard live on the internet at www.betweentheropes.com. Archives of recent interviews can be found at www.betweentheropes.com.

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