John Cena recently spoke about the surprising conclusion of his retirement match against Gunther, expressing satisfaction with the strong reactions it generated. The 17-time world champion ended his professional wrestling career in early December by submitting to Gunther at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking his first tap out in two decades.
Fan Reactions and Cena’s Perspective on His Final Bout
The crowd at the event reacted with shock and boos after Cena tapped out, especially when WWE’s chief content officer, Triple H, appeared at ringside. The ending has sparked ongoing discussion as fans debate whether it was a fitting finish for Cena’s storied career. While some criticized the decision, others—such as World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk—defended Cena, accusing detractors of letting their dislike overshadow the moment.
During an interview with TheSportster host MuscleManMalcolm at the New Orleans FAN EXPO, Cena shared his thoughts on the tap out and its divided reception:
I think it was a perfect end because a whole lot of people thought it sucked, a whole lot of people thought it was special. And that’s kind of been my story for 23 years.
?John Cena, WWE Superstar
Cena had previously likened the finish to a person coming to terms with their inevitable fate, explaining that his smile while tapping out reflected acceptance rather than defeat. WWE has capitalized on the controversy by portraying Gunther as a formidable, career-ending villain, with speculation building that AJ Styles might be next on Gunther’s list.
Why Cena’s Tap Out Created Controversy Among Fans
Many fans struggled with seeing Cena, who had long embraced the “Never Give Up” mantra, submit in his final match. For nearly 23 years, Cena’s persona was that of an indomitable hero, so the tap out seemed contradictory to some. Critics also questioned whether the way Cena submitted—smiling rather than visibly struggling—diminished Gunther’s perceived strength.
It’s important to note that Gunther’s hold didn’t force a submission out of Goldberg; instead, Goldberg passed out. This comparison highlights the distinction between refusing to surrender and recognizing when one’s journey is complete. Cena, at 48, chose to acknowledge his limits differently than the 59-year-old Goldberg did in his own career moments.
Legacy of Cena’s Retirement and Its Impact on WWE Storylines
John Cena’s retirement match, with its unconventional ending, marks a significant moment in WWE history. It challenges traditional narratives around resilience and signals a passing of the torch to newer talents like Gunther and possibly AJ Styles. This conclusion adds depth to Cena’s legacy, showing his ability to evolve and embrace vulnerability, while also fueling ongoing rivalries and storylines within WWE.
