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John Cena already knows what you\u2019re thinking\u2014he\u2019s heard it in every audition and meeting for the past 25 years. \u201cYou can\u2019t deny a first impression,\u201d he says. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s been very difficult for me to try and seek out new levels of performance. You walk into a room, even if you\u2019re in a suit, at 230 pounds everybody\u2019s like: \u2018Nope.\u2019 You can only fit so many lanes.\u201d \n\nIn this episode of ""In the Envelope,"" the pro wrestler turned movie star walks us through every step of navigating those narrow lanes on his way to blockbuster franchise success. From selling out arenas in the WWE to the on-screen failures that motivated him in the lead-up to joining the DC Universe and ""Fast & Furious"" franchise, Cena breaks down how he always tries to find\u2014and subvert\u2014the motivations of any persona he plays. ""\u201cIf the \u2018why\u2019 is simply, I need you to be big, that\u2019s OK. That\u2019s cut and dry,"" he says. ""But if you\u2019re willing to peel off more, and we can get to the core of why [the character] is so physically fit, then you can have some substructure. Then you can really wow people.\u201d\n---\nBackstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage\u2019s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today\u2019s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Vinnie Mancuso, senior editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ\n\nFollow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media:\n- https://www.facebook.com/backstage\n- https://www.twitter.com/backstage\n- https://www.twitter.com/intheenvelope\n- https://www.instagram.com/backstagecast\n\nLooking to get cast? Subscribe here: www.backstage.com/subscribe\nBrowse Backstage casting listings: https://bit.ly/3mth68e\nCheck out our community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0\nBackstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5\n\nSpecial thanks to...\n- Host: Vinnie Mancuso\n- Producer: Jamie Muffett\n- Social media: Katie Minard, Karen Jenkins\n- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins\n- Additional support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis