In an interview, Theory reflected on the build-up to his WrestleMania 39 match with Cena, including a segment where Cena verbally confronted him in the ring. Theory ultimately defeated Cena at the event after a low blow.

During his conversation on IMPAULSIVE, Theory discussed his interactions with Cena leading up to the match. He recounted visiting Cena's gym and having dinner with him, where Cena expressed his view on Theory's character.

“That whole process was crazy. Even the promo and talking to him. I even went down to his gym, and we had dinner and talked. I just remember him telling me, ‘You’re not a bad guy. I want you to be you.’ I remember being so confused because I was like, ‘Man, I’m this obnoxious, over the top, cocky heel.’ He’s like, ‘I feel like that’s not going to last too long. You’ve got to be yourself.’ I was like, ‘How do I do this? I’m a bad guy.’”

Theory also shared a personal anecdote about his grandfather's request regarding his match with Cena. His grandfather, who served as a father figure had asked that if Theory ever faced John Cena, he wanted a hot dog and a Coke in the crowd for the event.

“I even remember him telling me that after the match at Mania. That match, to me… I have a picture of myself as a kid holding my little brother, and I had a cardboard cutout of Cena in my room. He was always my dude. So just having that match with him, and how awesome he was through the whole experience, that’ll stay with me forever. Something cool, my grandfather has always taken the father figure role for me. When I was a kid, he told me, because he knew I always wanted to be a wrestler, ‘All I ask from you is that when you face John Cena, I get a hot dog and a Coke in the crowd when it happens.’ I told my girl that day, and she brought them to him. God, what a crazy moment, you know what I mean?

Following the match, Theory stated that Cena informed him of a conversation he had with Vince McMahon about Theory's character.

“After the match, I remember Cena telling me, ‘Hey, I went and talked to Vince (McMahon), and I told him you’re not a bad guy. So hopefully that helps you become a good guy.’”

In a separate part of the interview, Theory also commented on his desire to have had the opportunity to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Roman Reigns.

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