Since arriving on the WWE NXT scene in April 2026, Mason Rook has quickly made a significant impact, gaining a strong following in a short period. Among his biggest admirers is WWE legend John Cena, who has recently spotlighted emerging talent through his retirement events heavily featuring NXT stars.
In a recent interview with Metro, Cena shared that he first saw Mason Rook, then wrestling under the name Will Kroos on the European independent circuit, long before Rook’s WWE debut. While filming the movie “Matchbox” in Hungary, Cena caught Rook performing on Hungarian TV and was immediately impressed not only by his athleticism but also by his storytelling ability in the ring.
Cena explained, “I was floored. I didn’t have much access to live sports entertainment because of the time difference, but there was a UK wrestling program broadcast every Wednesday night on my hotel TV. I kept watching Will Kroos, and I was blown away by his skill and the way he told stories in the ring.” He even told his wife about the wrestler, highlighting how excited he was by Rook’s performances.
During Cena’s time in Hungary, WWE held a European tour which included a “WWE Raw” taping in Glasgow, Scotland. Rook was brought on as an extra and got the chance to meet Cena in person—an encounter Cena had been secretly hoping for. “I was hoping to see Will Kroos among the UK extras, and when I did, I was stunned,” Cena recalled, praising Rook’s nuanced in-ring style that many young wrestlers lack.
Mason Rook officially debuted in NXT in April 2026, a move that John Cena both welcomed and found surprising. Since then, Cena has followed Rook’s progress closely, noting his intelligent match storytelling and ability to portray powerful yet vulnerable characters. “He’s a very smart performer,” Cena said. “Many young talents try flashy moves but don’t have the in-ring awareness. Mason’s attention to detail blew me away. NXT is just the start for him—the sky’s the limit.”
Looking ahead, Cena hopes Rook will participate in the forthcoming John Cena Classic tournament later this year. While specifics about the event remain under wraps, Cena aims to involve as many NXT stars as possible, suggesting Rook’s participation is very likely.
Fan Take: This story highlights the exciting future of professional wrestling, showing how experienced stars like John Cena are actively supporting new talent like Mason Rook. For Fighting fans, it signals a promising evolution in the sport, blending seasoned expertise with fresh energy that could redefine wrestling storytelling and performance in the years to come.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
