🔥 “God’s Gift to Wrestling”: JBL Says Randy Orton Could Shatter John Cena’s Historic 17-Title Record
John Cena may have just cemented his legacy as a 17-time World Champion, but according to WWE Hall of Famer JBL, that record might not stand for long — and Randy Orton could be the man to break it.
Speaking during a recent interview with Video Gamer, JBL opened up about Cena’s retirement, their iconic rivalry, and why he believes The Viper is on a completely different level when it comes to greatness and longevity.
And his words about Orton? They turned heads across the wrestling world.
🏆 JBL Reflects on Cena’s Retirement: “One of the Greatest Ever”
JBL had nothing but praise for John Cena as he reflected on Cena’s journey from rising star to all-time legend.
According to JBL, while everyone knew Cena was the guy, nobody could have predicted just how massive his career would become — from headlining WWE during the difficult transition from the Attitude Era to the PG Era, to becoming a global superstar in Hollywood.
JBL emphasized that Cena did what almost no one else could: keep arenas full without shock value, profanity, or chaos — and still become the face of an entire generation.
“This business is really lucky to have had John Cena,” JBL said, calling him one of the greatest representatives WWE has ever had.
💥 JBL’s Favorite Cena Match? The Brutal ‘I Quit’ War
When asked about his favorite match with Cena, JBL didn’t hesitate — it was their brutal “I Quit” match following WrestleMania.
JBL explained that while shorter matches are common, truly elite performers prove themselves in long, emotionally draining wars. That match, he said, showed the world how tough and special Cena really was.
In JBL’s eyes, every great champion has to “walk through hell” — and Cena did exactly that.
👀 Will Cena’s 17-Title Record Be Broken?
Here’s where things get really interesting.
JBL believes yes — Cena’s record will be broken. Not because of planning or prediction, but because wrestling history has shown that true megastars often emerge when nobody expects them.
He pointed to legends like Steve Austin and Kane, reminding fans that neither looked like future Hall of Famers early in their careers.
Then JBL dropped the bombshell.
🐍 “Randy Orton May Be the Guy”
According to JBL, Randy Orton is unlike anyone else in WWE history.
He praised Orton’s natural ability, presence, and lineage — calling him “God’s gift to wrestling.” JBL believes Orton’s instincts, timing, and star aura separate him from the rest of the roster.
“When Randy Orton walks out, everything changes,” JBL said. “Very few guys can do that.”
With Orton already sitting among the most decorated champions of all time, JBL sees a very real path where The Viper surpasses Cena’s 17 reigns — if the timing and opportunity align.
📺 Is Randy Orton Underutilized?
JBL admitted he’d personally like to see Orton on TV more often — but also acknowledged that less can sometimes be more.
What matters most, he explained, is impact. And Orton’s presence alone still shifts the entire atmosphere whenever he appears.
Something, JBL believes, is clearly going very right.
🧠 Final Take
John Cena’s 17-time World Title record may feel untouchable — but if JBL is right, Randy Orton could be the one to rewrite history.
And if that happens?
It wouldn’t just be another stat.
It would be the final chapter in one of WWE’s most legendary careers — and the crowning achievement of The Apex Predator.
