WWE news: John Cena drops CM Punk bombshell ahead of UFC 225 return

Cena and Punk were embroiled in a heated rivalry in 2011 that led to a legendary match at Money in the Bank, which the MMA star won.

The six-time world champion is one of the biggest WWE legends of all time and had some unforgettable matches with the likes of The Rock, Undertaker and Brock Lesnar.

The ex-WWE Champion left Vince McMahon’s promotion in 2014 citing creative differences as well as health issues and joined UFC soon after.

During a Q&A at MegaCon, Cena stated that Punk was a huge inspiration because he always got the best out of him.

The 16-time world champion also named Hulk Hogan as one of his biggest inspirations as well as current WWE superstars like Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns.

Cena said: “As a young man, Hulk Hogan was my inspiration.

“Nowadays, I am inspired by so many people. I know how tough it is to be a WWE superstar, so anyone to be able to do this inspires me.

“Over the years, I found inspiration from so many different superstars, which is why I try to bring out the best in those superstars because they inspire me, from Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, the list goes on and on.

“Even CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, all these guys that inspired me, I try to inspire them and bring out the best in them because of what they brought out in me.”

Cena now works on a part-time basis with WWE because of his busy Hollywood schedule.

The former US Champion’s last WWE match took place in April at the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia where he beat Triple H.

CM Punk endured a miserable UFC debut after losing to Mickey Gall in the first round.

However, the Chicago hero is now set to return to the Octagon at UFC 225 against Mike “The Truth” Jackson.