John Cena addresses beef between Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel

‘I don’t think that story is about taking sides’

John Cena has weighed into the furious rift between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson.

Late last year, Diesel publicly asked Johnson to return to the Fast and the Furious franchise one final time for the tenth film.

Johnson later criticised the way Diesel posted the plea on social media, calling his approach “manipulation.”

Now WWE star and Fast and Furious actor Cena has given his thoughts about the pair’s public showdown.

“As you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you don’t send well wishes… but the time has come. Legacy awaits. I told you years ago that I was going to fulfill my promise to Pablo. I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10!”

In an interview with CNN, Johnson slammed the way Diesel was trying to change his mind when he’d already confirmed he wouldn’t be returning.

“I told [Vin Diesel] directly that I would not be returning to the franchise,” Johnson said. “I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance I would return.

He continued: “Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn’t like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker’s death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.”

Johnson starred in five Fast And Furious movies, the first being 2011’s Fast Five. Diesel is signed up to return for the tenth installation, but the rest of the cast haven’t yet been confirmed.