It’s very common to see gaming signs at wrestling events, even one at AEW recently asked for 60 fps on Bloodborne. Interestingly enough, John Cena has a known association with Nintendo—having appeared in a number of ads for the Nintendo Switch. It seems he’s also a major Metroid fan, having received Metroid Dread from the Big N as a gift at release.

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In 2017, Cena appeared in a number of Switch ads, appeared at events, and more. Now, according to Giant Bomb creative director Dan Ryckert, Cena did more than just appear as a face. While filming one specific ad, he reportedly asked Nintendo for a brand new 2D Metroid game. Many fans have echoed these sentiments, even if they were unaware that Cena shared them, and those pleas were answered with 2021’s Metroid Dread.

When it released, four years after Cena’s time in the ads and his request, Nintendo reportedly sent the pro wrestler a free copy of Metroid Dread. Cena’s team also reportedly responded that “John loves it.” Indeed, Metroid Dread has stellar reviews and has sold well, and it’s arguably one of the best 2D games in the series. This report was also corroborated by Nintendo Minute co-host Krysta Yang, who was present at the shoot and said that Cena was indeed a big Metroid fan.

In the time since Metroid Dread’s launch, it has added two new difficulty modes, as well as a new Boss Rush mode. More is possible, but it ultimately seems that the franchise is preparing for its future. Metroid Prime 4 has a storied development history, but fans are expecting it sometime in the next future years. Furthermore, it is rumored that a Metroid Prime Remastered will launch sometime this year.

Overall, Metroid Dread could be a step in the right direction for Samus, but as Nintendo keeps pushing forward with 3D games, it can’t forget that many fans, like Cena, love the 2D games as well.

Metroid Dread is available now on Nintendo Switch.

MORE: Metroid Dread: Complete Guide and Walkthrough

Source: GoNintendo (via Nintendolife), Wario64