16-time WWE World Champion John Cena recently did an interview with EW to promote his “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader” hosting gig. Cena discussed how the WWE helped prepare him for hosting “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader,” his relationship with Nickelodeon, and the show putting the spotlight on the kids this time around.
Here are the highlights:
How WWE helped prepare him for “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader“:
There is no way I can ignore my experience in the WWE for preparing me for something like this, where you not only have to be a vehicle to move the show along but not being afraid to have a personality. I think that is a lot of WWE is. There are many more things I learned performing in the WWE that helped me with this experience — as they do with every experience.
Relationship with Nickelodeon:
We have the same goals. We want to put smiles on people’s faces. That literally is Nickelodeon’s ethos and it is one that the WWE shares and one that I certainly agree with. When you want to make kids and families happy, it makes it a lot easier.
Putting the spotlight on the kids this time around:
The show is largely based on showcasing the kids. Not just their smarts and intelligence, but also their skills and personality. I thought that was a really nice angle to reboot the show and very well-executed. It really empowers the youth to not be afraid to be who they are and say what they know, which is important.
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