John Cena addressed the reactions to his final WWE contest held on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced GUNTHER. The match, which marked the conclusion of Cena’s 23-year career in WWE and ended with him submitting, has sparked ongoing discussion among fans and critics.
Speaking at the New Orleans Fan Expo, Cena acknowledged the diverse opinions surrounding his last bout and expressed gratitude for the feedback, viewing it as a meaningful conclusion to his wrestling journey.
Accepting Feedback as Part of His Legacy
Cena expressed appreciation toward those who voiced their opinions openly, emphasizing that criticism can serve as valuable learning moments. He stated that his role is to craft a story that resonates with the audience, and he remains attentive to all viewpoints.
He noted,
“Thank you. 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. My job is to put together a story that I think you all will 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 (Washington) DC and every match I had before that.”
—John Cena, WWE Superstar
Describing the mixed reactions to his final match, Cena remarked,
“And like I said, I guess kind of a parallel to my career, I think it was a perfect end because a 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.”
Behind the Scenes of Cena’s Final Year
Additionally, Cena shared insights into his last year with WWE, revealing he played a role in encouraging a fellow WWE talent to sign a full-time contract. Though specific names were not mentioned in this context, the detail highlights Cena’s continued influence backstage.
Significance of Cena’s Farewell and What’s Ahead
John Cena’s readiness to embrace criticism underscores his reflective and determined approach to concluding his WWE career. The contrasting opinions about his final match exemplify the enduring passion and debate that Cena has stirred throughout his tenure in wrestling. His acceptance of this duality cements a complex legacy that fans and critics alike will continue to discuss.
As Cena steps away from in-ring competition, his impact remains strong both within WWE and beyond, suggesting his role in the company and wrestling community will continue evolving in new forms.
