John Cena has finally spoken out regarding the mixed reactions to his final WWE match, which took place during the December 13, 2025, episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event. This event marked the end of his 23-year career in professional wrestling, drawing widespread attention as fans and critics debated the outcome and significance of his farewell bout against Gunther.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Cena’s retirement tour, many wrestling enthusiasts expressed disappointment, arguing that the storyline seemed repetitive by revisiting old rivalries. The conclusion of his final match, where The Never Seen Seventeen submitted after a subtle smile, sparked particular controversy. Fans criticized the ending for conflicting with Cena’s well-known motto, “Never Give Up,” feeling that the WWE missed an opportunity to honor his legacy with a victorious sendoff.
Cena Explains His Perspective on the Match’s Ending
During a Q&A session with popular wrestling content creator MuscleManMalcolm at the New Orleans Fan Expo, Cena was asked about the criticism surrounding his last in-ring performance. He expressed gratitude towards those holding him accountable and emphasized his desire to craft meaningful stories through his matches.
Cena stated that while opinions about the match varied widely, this division mirrored his entire wrestling career, which frequently sparked debate. He said the match’s conclusion was intentional and meaningful to him, representing a fitting finale that reflected both praise and disappointment in equal measure. He emphasized the importance of differing perspectives by saying:
“Thank you to remind me that you’re allowed to have your opinion, and thank you for not just conforming to a certain set of standards. Thank you for being vocal enough to express how you felt, because every moment can be a teachable moment. I put together, my job is to try to put together a story that I think you all enjoy. And when there’s critical opinion out there, I’m all ears. I don’t ignore the critics. I’m thankful for them, for DC, and every match I had before that. And like I said, kind of parallel to my career, I think it was a perfect end because a whole lot of people thought it sucked, and a whole lot of people thought it was special. And that’s kind of been my story for 23 years. So I thought it was important.”
Cena Opens Up About Facing Difficult Questions
At the same fan gathering, John Cena also addressed rumors that he had been avoiding tough questions related to his retirement tour and the final match’s outcome. He clarified his openness to criticism and said he values the feedback, using it as a learning experience. His approach underscores the ongoing conversation between himself and his fans about his legacy and career decisions.
The debate over Cena’s final match highlights the complexities wrestlers face when concluding long-running careers. It serves as a reminder of how closely fans associate wrestlers’ in-ring personas with their personal values and expectations.
What This Means for Cena’s Legacy and Wrestling’s Future
John Cena’s final match and the discussions it ignited could shape how future retirements are handled in WWE, especially for performers with passionate fanbases and long-standing careers. His willingness to engage with critics and explain his creative choices may foster greater transparency and dialogue between wrestlers and audiences moving forward.
As WWE evolves, Cena’s parting match will remain a significant moment reflecting the tension between tradition and innovation in wrestling storytelling. Fans and company officials alike will likely reflect on this event as they plan retirements and the careers that follow.
