After 25 years in the world of professional wrestling, John Cena will be leaving in-ring performances later this year. However, the WWE icon and rising Hollywood star has plenty of projects lined up to keep him busy. Cena has become a key figure in the *Fast & Furious* series, having featured in two films with a third film on the horizon. He has also hosted well-loved game shows such as *Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader*, *Wipeout*, and *American Grit*. Furthermore, he stars in the superhero series *Peacemaker*, which is set to return to Max this August. His newest project, however, offers something different: a Roku reality series titled *What Drives You*, which Cena not only leads but also serves as an executive producer.
The program merges aspects of *Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee* and *MTV Cribs*. Although the format isn’t revolutionary, Cena’s charm makes it unexpectedly delightful to watch. Each 20-minute episode begins with Cena presenting the premise before he picks up a celebrity guest at their residence. The guest then takes Cena to a favorite destination of theirs. That’s the entirety of the concept. Nevertheless, the straightforwardness of the arrangement cultivates a feeling of closeness, largely due to Cena’s endearing humility.
The first four guests on the show have something in common with Cena: they have all navigated between the realms of wrestling and various entertainment paths. YouTube sensation Logan Paul, now a WWE United States Champion, makes an appearance. So does Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, who evolved from *The Real World* on MTV to significant WWE acclaim, even headlining WrestleMania against Cena. Other guests include country rapper Jelly Roll and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, both of whom have graced significant WWE events.
But does this mean *What Drives You* is a wrestling show or even closely related to wrestling? Not really. Cena shared his take on the topic during an interview, frequently using car metaphors to articulate his viewpoint — comparing wrestling to a “parking spot” in people’s minds. He also offered thoughts on how the show’s production design contributes to its authenticity, a notion he finds intriguing in the context of reality TV and WWE’s “sports entertainment” philosophy.
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### The Pervasiveness of Wrestling and Its Influence in *What Drives You*
**Mashable:** Wrestling appears to be prevalent everywhere now, especially with WWE’s recent expansion into platforms such as Netflix. Your initial four guests on *What Drives You* all have connections to wrestling. Was that a deliberate choice on your part as an executive producer, or did it arise organically?
**John Cena:** It’s more of the latter, I believe. WWE and sports entertainment cast a broad net and reach a large audience. To be honest, I’ve yet to encounter someone who doesn’t have at least one wrestling story. They might reminisce about a specific time, like “I remember Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Hulk Hogan, or The Undertaker.” Wrestling seems to hold a small parking spot in people’s minds. It’s a platform that welcomes everyone, and that energy and excitement naturally draw a diverse array of individuals.
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### Cars as a Reflection of Character
**Mashable:** The show employs cars as a medium to delve into people’s lives. Do you view cars as an extension of one’s personality, similar to how a wrestler’s attire or entrance music conveys their character?
**Cena:** You’re onto something there. As humans, we’re naturally inclined to make quick assessments. You see a car, observe the driver, and draw conclusions about them. What I find appealing is challenging those assumptions in a gentle manner. It’s a chance to discover — whether your initial impression was accurate, somewhat off, or entirely mistaken.
I do believe cars act like fashion statements. They communicate something about us, but that doesn’t imply you have to drive a flashy sports car or a sturdy pickup truck. Even when you use a rideshare service, people will still form judgments. The key is to avoid making absolute statements and instead engage in inquiry. That exchange is where you truly get to understand someone, and that’s what this show embodies.
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### Fostering Intimacy in a Mobile Space
**Mashable:** Beyond snap judgments about a vehicle’s exterior, the interior serves as a setting for meaningful conversations. How do you cultivate that feeling of ease for your guests? You’ve hosted programs before, yet this one seems more concentrated on highlighting others.
**Cena:** The setting does much of the work. Consider a standard press interview for a movie promotional event: I’m in focus, you’re in focus, bright lights are shining, boom mics are hovering, and people are bustling about. It’s hardly calming.
With *What Drives You*, the configuration is entirely different. The cameras are small and positioned so they don’t obstruct the driver’s line of sight. The microphone is subtly placed within the car’s console. It