John Cena confesses real reason he was 'ran out of the movie business'

John Cena is grateful to have gotten a "second chance" to develop his movie career.

While the Coyote vs. Acme actor got his start in the spotlight via wrestling, and became one of WWE's most iconic ambassadors, it has now also been 20 years since he made his movie debut in The Marine.

The former rapper however maintains it has not been a steady journey, as it took time for him to really appreciate the art of movie making.

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Speaking on TODAY's 3rd Hour about his upcoming action film Matchbox: The Movie, John noted his movie career has been a "long journey," maintaining: "People think things happen overnight."

"Those early projects, truth be told, I didn't have my heart into," he said, explaining how as a 20-something, he wanted to be "in that ring." Traveling the world and performing in the ring for thousands of people was "where I wanted to be."

"That's where I felt comfortable and fluent," he continued. "And then I get to this movie set where things are super patient and super slow, I just didn't have the wisdom for the process."

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John emphasized that now he enjoys "the creative process," and understands: "Every job is important."

"Everyone is an artist and that everyone needs to do their thing. And that's from the caterers, to the grips, to the AD [assistant director], to the lighting folks to the performers, you name it. Every job makes the thing happen," he said.

"So I got ran out of the movie business for not caring, and that's justifiably so," he confessed. "If you don't care about something, give somebody [that does] the opportunity." 

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"I am now super passionate about what I do, and that's everything from filming to sitting here talking about this movie with you guys, and I'm so lucky to be given a second chance. And that took 20 years to craft."

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And as co-anchor Craig Melvin recognized John for being so "self-aware," he added: "I think there's nothing wrong with taking inventory of yourself, looking in the mirror, loving yourself for your strengths and your flaws and trying to be better than you were yesterday."

Matchbox: The Movie, also starring Jessica Biel and directed by Sam Hargrave, is out on AppleTV October 9.