Most reality TV hosts out there can deliver a gritty, yet heartfelt rant for the camera, but only one is willing to shut down sexism hurled at a U.S. Marine in the very first episode of his new show.

And his name is John Cena.

The former WWE star is the host of American Grit, a physical competition that splits civilian contestants into teams mentored by four combat veterans known as the Cadre. The 16 players must work together and follow their mentor’s lead to complete military-style obstacle courses. Only through teamwork, stamina and true grit can they win the game.

“There’s no voting, there are no alliances, there’s no backstabbing. It’s the only show ever that the only way to leave is to quit,” American Grit producer Jon Kroll said to the Military Times.

One of the veterans in the Cadre is U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tawanda “Tee” Hanible, a female Marine who was deployed in Iraq during the 2003 invasion. She has 19 years of military service under her belt, and she also founded a mentorship program called Operation Heroes Connect to pair veterans with at-risk youth.

Contestant Chris Krueger, a Hollywood-based physical trainer with big biceps and a bigger ego, did not think a Hanible was fit to lead his team. John Cena wasn’t having it.

“When you were ten years old, she was in bootcamp kicking ass, with men. When you were getting your driver’s license, she was in Iraq in combat and she was responsible not only for her own life but the safety of more than thousand Marines,” Cena said to Krueger. “You sleep under a blanket of freedom that she has provided for you.”

Krueger refused to apologize to Hanible. In the end, Krueger made a fool of himself by losing the final challenge and becoming the first contestant ever eliminated on American Grit. 

That marks the last time any American Grit contestant disrespects a U.S. veteran.