Heath Slater, a former stablemate of John Cena in The Nexus has commented on Cena's reputation backstage in WWE, corroborating reports that the top star could be difficult to work with but also explaining the motivations behind his actions.

Speaking on David Otunga's "Wednesday Hangout" YouTube video, Slater acknowledged that while Cena had a reputation for being selfish at times, it was a necessary trait for maintaining his position at the top of WWE. Slater recalled an instance during The Nexus storyline where Cena became intensely frustrated with everyone involved, leading him to "blow up on everyone" and shatter a store display. Slater interpreted this outburst as a sign of Cena's deep care for the storyline and a desire for the success of his fellow wrestlers.

Let's be real; back then, the Cena we were going against was Ric Flair in the prime, Hulk Hogan in his prime. You have to be a little selfish to stay at the top, and he was. He was just like everyone else, he wanted to keep his position and all of that. But that point right there is where I knew he cared about the storyline that we were going forward on is when he literally blew up on everyone. I mean, he windmilled a damn boxing store and shattered it. Him doing that shows you that 'Dammit guys.' At that time, at that point of where we were at in our life, he meant that he wanted us to succeed.

Despite acknowledging Cena's demanding nature, Slater also highlighted that his personal interactions with the Cenation leader were generally positive, even years after their initial work together.

Yes, he could be an a*****e. Yes, he was a selfish dude back then. But all and all, at the point of the times of everything, I can honestly say every time I went to him and said 'Hey bro. I'm having kind of BS, this and that,' he would actually give me time and talk to me. If I hadn't saw him in years or something, and we'd cross paths, he'd shake my hand and say 'Hey Heath, how you've been?'

Slater's comments add further insight into the complex backstage dynamics that often surround WWE's biggest stars.

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