Strong reactions have emerged online as fans pit the John Cena retirement comparison against Hiroshi Tanahashi’s celebrated farewell from professional wrestling. Tanahashi’s recently concluded career in NJPW, capped with honors at Wrestle Kingdom 20, has sparked debate about how WWE handled the exit of their own legend, John Cena, with criticism particularly aimed at Triple H.
Tanahashi’s Farewell Sets a New Benchmark in Wrestling Retirements
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s departure was marked by an emotional celebration, reflecting the immense respect the Japanese wrestling community holds for him. He closed his long career with a match against Kazuchika Okada, after which the ring filled with colleagues, peers, and other well-known athletes from the industry, each paying tribute to his enduring influence on the regional pro wrestling business. These heartfelt displays ranged from public gestures to touching written messages thanking him for his guidance and kindness. The effect of Tanahashi’s career revival for pro wrestling in Japan has been widely acknowledged as monumental.
“Tanahashi San,I wish I could put into words how much just being around you as a young man meant to me.You showed so many of us how important it is to be kind & respectful to every person you came into contact with.Getting to travel japan with you was one of the most… pic.twitter.com/9yfq6FEJv4”
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay), January 4, 2026
Fans Voice Disappointment with WWE’s Handling of John Cena’s Retirement
In contrast to Tanahashi’s send-off, John Cena’s retirement caused division among the WWE fanbase. While Tanahashi received an outpouring of praise and a momentous public farewell, many fans have expressed that Cena’s exit felt underwhelming and lacked due respect, with Triple H facing significant blame. Supporters were frustrated with what they considered a routine farewell, marked by only a video highlight package, missing the emotional resonance showcased by NJPW for Tanahashi.
“Worst part is it wasn’t that hard, hunter didn’t give a sh*t. Thank god Gunther is amazing wrestler and cena is an amazing babyface.”
“Compare this to how WWE send off John Cena It’s night & day.”
“How NJPW do a proper send off to someone’s legendary career vs how the Fed do a send off to someone’s legendary career Tanahashi’s retirement segment overall clears John Cena’s. Tell me when I’m telling lies.”
“Wild that Tanahashi’s retirement had more of an impact on me than Cena’s. I, admittedly, checked out of wrestling about when Cena came onto the scene but I know next to nothing about NJPW but I know emotion and I know scale. This was a proper retirement in a way than perhaps only the Japanese could do.”
“They treated Tanahashi like a god. All WWE did for Cena was just a video package, I’m sick to my stomach #njwk20.”
Debate Intensifies: Fans Urge for Celebration Rather Than Comparison
While a wave of disappointment surged over how WWE organized John Cena’s send-off, another group of fans pushed back against the negativity and the John Cena retirement comparison itself. They argued that each star’s retirement should be celebrated in its own right, without detracting from either legend’s achievements. This segment criticized what they saw as a pointless comparison, encouraging both sides to appreciate the individual contributions of Cena and Tanahashi to the wrestling world.
“You IWC dweebs are Unbearable to deal with stop with the comparisons And Be happy for both guys.”
“Bruh let us just enjoy this moment. You see a GOAT retire and the first tweet u thought of sending was some comparison sh*t.”
“What a weird thing to say.”
The Road Ahead: Will WWE Respond to the Criticism?
Despite growing backlash and online agitation, there is skepticism about whether Triple H or WWE will acknowledge or respond to calls for a more respectful, elaborate send-off for John Cena. At present, the wrestling community remains split, with emotion running high on both sides. The significance of this debate lies in how global wrestling promotions honor their veterans, shaping fan perception of legacies and setting standards for future retirements. As both John Cena and Hiroshi Tanahashi move forward beyond their in-ring careers, their respective farewells are likely to influence how wrestling sends off legends for years to come.
Tanahashi San,
I wish I could put into words how much just being around you as a young man meant to me.
You showed so many of us how important it is to be kind & respectful to every person you came into contact with.
Getting to travel japan with you was one of the most… pic.twitter.com/9yfq6FEJv4
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) January 4, 2026
