Eric Bischoff recently evaluated John Cena’s final WWE run as a “C” during an episode of his 83 Weeks podcast. Bischoff, a former WCW President, criticized the creative handling of Cena’s concluding storyline, implying that the booking decisions did not fully reflect Cena’s legendary status in the wrestling world. This assessment highlights concerns about the treatment of a key figure in WWE’s history during his final major appearances.
Bischoff commented on Cena’s significant loss to Brock Lesnar, indicating that if this match was part of a larger redemption arc culminating in Cena’s final victory, it would be a compelling story. He expressed personal affection for redemption narratives, saying,
“If the story going forward is as you previously laid out, and this ends up with John and Brock in John’s final match, and John finally overcomes, it’s a redemption story. I love redemption stories, they always work for me. If it’s a Disney redemption story, I’ll actually shed a tear or two. If there’s a dog involved, I’ll be a bawling idiot. So, I hope that that is the case. If it’s not the case, and it was just what they did that night, that would be worrisome to me.”
—Eric Bischoff, former WCW President
He further underscored the importance of context in storytelling by saying,
“If it’s part of a story, I think it’d be a great story, because redemptions always work. If it wasn’t part of the story and it was, ‘Well, here’s what we’re going to do tonight, and why?’ Ennh, not good. But we’ll find out.”
—Eric Bischoff, former WCW President
On the overall quality of Cena’s farewell run, Bischoff remarked,
“I’d give it a C. Now, if you take the heel turn or whatever that was, take that out and just look at the rest of it, probably a B, maybe an A- or a B. It’s been pretty good, except for the way it started.”
—Eric Bischoff, former WCW President
Bischoff also highlighted the emotional impact fans desire when watching their favorites conclude their careers on a positive note, comparing it to iconic sports moments. He said,
“Just give everybody what they want, to see the guy go out on top. Everybody would love to see Babe Ruth hit his last home run. Nobody wants to see Babe Ruth strike out. Know what I mean? If you could go back in time. How many people would say, ‘I want to go back in time. I want to be there when Babe Ruth grabs his last at bat, but I want to see him strike out.’ No. Same thing here.”
—Eric Bischoff, former WCW President
Charlotte Flair’s Original WWE Ring Name Idea
In a separate conversation on the Kate Mackz podcast, Charlotte Flair revealed that she once proposed the WWE ring name Elizabeth Reid. WWE opted instead for Charlotte, linking her persona to both her father, Ric Flair, who is a Hall of Famer, and his roots in Charlotte, North Carolina. This choice aligned her identity closely with the family legacy and the geographic significance of the Flair name.
Regarding her initial pitch, Charlotte explained,
“I pitched a few names. I pitched Elizabeth Reid. I loved Miss Elizabeth and then my little brother’s name was Reid. They were like, ‘No, your dad’s from Charlotte. We’re naming you Charlotte.’”
—Charlotte Flair, WWE Superstar
She also noted the decision to not use her actual last name at first, saying,
“I could have gone by Ashley Flair. Probably, being Ric’s kid, it was like, ‘We’re gonna give her a stage name, like, not to be Ashley Flair. When I first started, I wasn’t Charlotte Flair. I was just Charlotte. They didn’t attach my last name until, like, four or five years later.”
—Charlotte Flair, WWE Superstar
WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long’s Wish for Cena’s Final Match
WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long shared on the Road Trip After Hours podcast that he hopes for John Cena’s retirement match to feature Steve Austin as his opponent. Cena is slated to have his final bout on Saturday, December 13th, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, DC. Long believes an encounter with Austin would be a fitting finale to Cena’s career.
Long elaborated his wish by saying,
“Well, if it was me and I know it wouldn’t happen- and I may be just thinking outside the box… but what I would like to have? I would have brought someone in special and I don’t know whether Steve would, you know, I’m pretty sure he might do business, (John) Cena and Stone Cold Steve Austin, that’s what I would have liked to seen.”
—Teddy Long, WWE Hall of Famer
He also pointed out why Austin’s retirement status could make such a match compelling, adding,
“Well that’s why it would work so good. Because he’s one of those guys that didn’t go back on his word, he didn’t go back. But just here, if you build it right and get a story to go on, then that’s something that may excite him and it makes him want to come back. It’s easy to do!”
—Teddy Long, WWE Hall of Famer
Context and Potential Impact of Cena’s Farewell Run
John Cena’s final WWE run has drawn mixed reactions, especially from industry insiders like Eric Bischoff who expect storytelling that matches the stature of one of wrestling’s biggest icons. With Cena’s last match scheduled for mid-December in Washington, DC, the match-up and the narrative arc leading into it remain crucial to his legacy. Bischoff’s “C” grade reflects a concern that Cena’s creative journey in his closing chapter could have been stronger and more satisfying for longtime fans.
Charlotte Flair’s insight about her ring name reflects WWE’s focus on branding and legacy, which contrasts with the creative uncertainties witnessed in Cena’s farewell. Meanwhile, Teddy Long’s suggestion that a star like Steve Austin should appear in Cena’s last bout hints at an effort to elevate the event’s stature and give fans a memorable send-off.
The significance of these discussions ties to the broader WWE narrative of how stars conclude their careers and pass the torch. Creating a meaningful and emotional finish for John Cena, one of the most decorated WWE superstars, could positively influence WWE’s fan engagement and historical framing. As the date approaches, fans and critics alike await the execution of Cena’s final storyline and whether it will live up to the expectations set by his legendary career.
