John Cena described the fan reactions to his retirement match as the ideal conclusion to his WWE career. The event took place on December 13 in a match against Gunther, which drew a divided response from audiences, something Cena acknowledges fits his long-standing polarizing presence in the wrestling world. Speaking at Fan Expo New Orleans earlier this month, Cena expressed gratitude for the diverse opinions his final bout elicited, seeing it as a meaningful way to close his 23-year journey in wrestling.
Cena Appreciates Fans’ Honest Feedback and Embraces Criticism
During his appearance, Cena thanked fans for openly sharing their thoughts, both positive and negative, highlighting that such engagement creates opportunities for growth and learning. He emphasized that his role was to craft a story for the audience, welcoming critical feedback as part of his process.
Thank you [for reminding] me that you’re allowed to have your opinion, and thank you for not just conforming to a certain set of standards,
Cena said.
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 will enjoy.
He continued,
And when there’s critical opinion out there, I’m all ears. I don’t ignore the critics. I’m thankful for them for [Washington] D.C. and every match I had before that. And like I said, I guess a 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 perfect.
Controversy Over Cena’s Defeat and Its Symbolism
Cena’s loss in his retirement match, resulting from submitting to Gunther’s sleeper hold, sparked debate among fans expecting a more triumphant finale. The defeat appeared to contradict Cena’s famous “Never Give Up” mantra, stirring controversy. Cena clarified that his final moments, including the small smile he displayed, were meant to represent someone passing peacefully after giving everything possible, rather than a traditional victory. This symbolism highlighted the emotional power behind the ending, contrasting with fan expectations.
Transitioning to a New Role Within WWE
Following his retirement, Cena remains connected to WWE through an ambassadorial contract. He will continue to make appearances for the company but has firmly stated his retirement from in-ring competition, promising that he will not wrestle again. This shift allows Cena to maintain influence within WWE while closing the chapter on his active wrestling career, marking a significant transition in his professional life.
Impact and Future Prospects for Cena and the WWE Community
The resolution of Cena’s wrestling career with a contentious but meaningful final match reflects the complex relationship he has had with his fans over more than two decades. His acceptance of mixed reactions and commitment to engaging with critics displays a readiness to embrace new roles beyond wrestling. For WWE, Cena’s ongoing presence as an ambassador promises continued involvement with fans and the broader wrestling community, helping bridge past with future as the company evolves.
