John Cena’s final match in WWE, scheduled for December but with his opponent still undecided, has sparked concerns among fans and insiders about how his legacy might be affected. With the focus on the John Cena final match, questions arise over whether WWE will protect his storied career, especially in light of recent events involving Brock Lesnar.
The Controversial Outcome of Cena vs. Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza
Recently, Brock Lesnar returned to WWE after a two-year break and launched an attack on John Cena. Their rivalry escalated, culminating in a highly anticipated one-on-one bout at Wrestlepalooza in Indiana. However, the match failed to meet many fans’ expectations, as Lesnar delivered an overwhelming performance by landing six F5 finishing moves on Cena before securing a decisive victory.
The decision to have Lesnar dominate Cena came from WWE leadership, with reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicating that Triple H authorized this outcome at Wrestlepalooza. The rationale behind this dominant win was tied to Lesnar’s ongoing WWE tenure, as he is not slated to retire, unlike Cena, who is nearing his exit. WWE appears to be building Lesnar as an invincible figure for a future opponent to eventually defeat, rather than allowing Cena a final triumph.
Industry Voices Question WWE’s Handling of Cena’s Farewell
Jonathan Coachman, a respected voice in wrestling commentary and host on Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ The Coach and Bro Show, criticized WWE’s booking choices, suggesting they undermine Cena’s legacy. He argued that if Cena’s last match does not include a moment of redemption—specifically a victorious payback against Lesnar—then the company risks diminishing Cena’s overall standing in WWE history.
“That’s why the way they did that match [Wrestlepalooza] boggled my mind, and I was like, if they’re going to do that again, then naturally he’s [John Cena] going to get that final payback on Brock on the final night [Saturday Night’s Main Event], and that’s the way this would have to be, or you’re tarnishing the legacy of John Cena,” Coachman said.
Behind The Turnbuckle Studios, H/T Sportskeeda Wrestling
Coachman’s remarks highlight a concern that keeping Cena on the losing end, especially without a chance to even the score against Lesnar, could cloud how fans remember his contributions. The absence of a triumphant send-off may feel incongruent for a performer who has been central to WWE’s success for over a decade.
Why WWE’s Plans Favor Lesnar Over Cena in Their Final Clash
The underlying strategy appears to center on Brock Lesnar’s ongoing role in WWE, as he is not scheduled for departure, in contrast to Cena’s impending retirement. WWE reportedly intends to save a marquee victory over Lesnar for a future star rather than handing it to Cena in his last appearance. This business decision makes tactical sense but risks overshadowing Cena’s achievements and closing chapter.
From a broader perspective, WWE strives to maintain the momentum of high-profile characters like Lesnar while ensuring newer talents eventually rise by conquering established icons. Cena’s final match thus becomes a pivotal moment where company politics and fan expectations collide.
The Future Implications for John Cena’s WWE Legacy
With WWE setting Cena’s final match soon and the opponent still unconfirmed, fans remain hopeful but wary. The manner of his farewell contest will likely influence how both casual and dedicated fans perceive his career’s conclusion. Considering his significant impact on WWE and mainstream wrestling culture, preserving his legacy is critical to sustaining his iconic status.
Should Cena manage to secure a redeeming victory in his final bout, particularly against a dominant figure like Lesnar, it could affirm his legendary position. Conversely, another loss without redemption risks casting a shadow over his many years as “The Franchise Player.” WWE’s choices in booking his exit will not just affect Cena but could also serve as a gauge for how they honor their most celebrated athletes moving forward.
