At the Clash in Paris 2025 event, John Cena faced Logan Paul in a highly anticipated singles match, part of his ongoing retirement tour after holding the WWE Championship 17 times. During the match, Cena performed the Styles Clash, a move famously associated with AJ Styles, as a nod to one of his most notable rivals. He also surprised fans by executing Baron Corbin’s signature End of Days maneuver, which commentator Michael Cole described on the live broadcast as a swingside lariat.
The use of these moves was a unique way for Cena to pay tribute to key figures in his wrestling journey, blending respect and showmanship in his farewell appearances. The inclusion of the End of Days particularly caught the attention of Baron Corbin, now wrestling under the name Bishop Dyer, who responded strongly to the unexpected gesture.
Baron Corbin Reacts to Unanticipated Twitter Flood After Cena’s Tribute
Baron Corbin shared on Fightful Wrestling’s In The Weeds podcast how his social media was overwhelmed immediately after Cena’s match when fans noticed Cena imitating his finishing move. He described the experience vividly:
“It was funny because I wasn’t watching at the time. I looked at my phone and there were 900 Twitter notifications. I’m like, ‘Uh oh, what did I do? Someone hacked my pictures? Let’s see.’ I got on and saw that. That is so cool that he [John Cena] did it. I had no idea it was happening,” Corbin disclosed.
He expressed genuine surprise and appreciation for Cena’s gesture, which he had not anticipated, underscoring how such moments create meaningful connections between performers even as careers evolve.
The Friendship Behind Cena’s Silent Tribute
Corbin also highlighted the subtlety and thoughtfulness behind Cena’s actions, emphasizing their personal rapport. He explained how Cena chooses to honor his friends in understated but impactful ways:
“That’s John for you. He is going to pay his respects to you in a kind of the most backhanded way, where you either notice because you’re paying attention, or you don’t notice at all. He did a whole thing where it was a thank you to all his friends, and none of them have noticed it yet. When they do, it’ll be epic. He is very good and sneaky with that stuff. His interview after where he’s like, ‘I don’t get to wrestle all the people who have impacted me or my career, so this is my way of saying thank you.’ I thought that was pretty cool because John and I are pretty tight,” Corbin shared.
This insight shows how Cena’s farewell tour is as much about expressing gratitude as it is about athletic performance, revealing a deeper layer to his final matches beyond the spectacle.
Final Moments at Clash in Paris Highlight Cena’s Career
In the closing moments of his match against Logan Paul, John Cena secured victory after two consecutive Attitude Adjustments, ending the bout emphatically in his final appearance in Paris. This performance reinforced Cena’s status as a resilient competitor as he continues his retirement journey on the WWE stage.
John Cena’s Upcoming Appearances and Potential Final SmackDown in Chicago
Following Clash in Paris, John Cena’s schedule features seven remaining WWE appearances—five confirmed and two yet to be announced. Among them is an appearance on SmackDown in Chicago, Illinois, taking place at Allstate Arena. This venue holds significance as the site of Cena’s main roster debut on June 27, 2002, when he faced Kurt Angle.
The Chicago SmackDown event is reportedly expected to be Cena’s final appearance on the blue brand, with WWE insiders speculating that he will no longer participate in future SmackDown shows. Instead, Cena is anticipated to focus on RAW, Crown Jewel, Survivor Series, and his farewell bout on NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
There is also talk of one of the unannounced dates being WrestlePalooza, where Cena might face Brock Lesnar in a high-profile match, adding to the excitement surrounding his final run in WWE.
Why Cena’s Tribute Sparks Social Media Buzz and What It Means for WWE Fans
John Cena’s tribute sparked social media attention not only because of the moves he executed but also due to the respect and camaraderie these gestures represent. Baron Corbin’s reaction on Twitter, inundated with nearly 900 notifications, underscores how such moments resonate deeply with fans and athletes alike. These tributes highlight Cena’s determination to honor his peers discreetly while delivering memorable performances in his farewell run.
As Cena’s retirement tour progresses, fans and WWE insiders eagerly watch for how he will continue to recognize the wrestlers who shaped his career, amplifying anticipation for the culmination of an era. With several key appearances remaining, each event garners significant attention, hinting at emotionally charged moments ahead that will celebrate Cena’s legacy in wrestling history.
