Wrestling fans hoping for an epic showdown between WWE legends Kurt Angle and John Cena for Cena’s retirement match were left disappointed when the dream encounter never happened. The much-anticipated John Cena retirement match veered away from fan expectations, closing with Cena’s loss and leaving many longing for a fitting conclusion between these two storied rivals.
Cena and Angle’s Rivalry: A Career-Defining Story
John Cena’s journey in WWE began when he boldly stepped up to Kurt Angle’s open challenge, an event that would shape his rise as The Franchise Player. Throughout their careers, the two engaged in numerous intense bouts, establishing a deeply interwoven narrative. However, loyal fans and figures like Saraya, also known as Paige and a former WWE Divas Champion as well as AEW Women’s World Champion, publicly expressed hope for a final clash on wrestling’s grand stage.
During her appearance on Rulebreakers with Saraya, she reflected on the connection between the icons and the lasting impact a final contest could have represented. As she explained:
“You know, I would’ve loved to see him in a match with Kurt Angle because John Cena had his debut against Kurt Angle. You know, it was like an open challenge or whatever… But that was the beginning of his career right there, and if it ended like that too, it would’ve been really special,” Saraya said.
This sentiment is echoed by many in the wrestling community, who view the lack of a Cena vs. Angle retirement bout as a missed storytelling opportunity.
Kurt Angle’s Unfulfilled Plans for Cena’s Farewell
Kurt Angle, a revered WWE Hall of Famer, wrapped up his in-ring career at WrestleMania 35, facing Baron Corbin rather than the opponent he reportedly desired most—John Cena. There were efforts behind the scenes to change that narrative. As Vince Russo explained on Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ The Coach and Bro Show, Angle apparently proposed creative ideas to WWE management, hoping to play an integral part in Cena’s farewell in 2025. Despite these pitches, the company declined, relegating Angle to a spot among the legends watching from the crowd in Washington during Cena’s final match.
The decision was met with frustration, as many believed the historical connection between Cena and Angle warranted a full-circle finale. Instead, fans were left only to imagine what a properly staged retirement confrontation between the two icons would have meant for both their legacies and the larger WWE narrative.
The Lasting Legacy of the Match That Never Was
John Cena’s retirement match, as it unfolded, left a portion of the WWE audience feeling unfulfilled, as the symbolic bookend to his career never materialized in the form of a rematch with Kurt Angle. The lost opportunity remains a point of debate among wrestling historians, fans, and fellow athletes, including Saraya. The emotional significance of the match that never happened continues to spark discussions about what might have been one of the greatest send-offs in wrestling history.
As WWE moves forward, the careers of John Cena, Kurt Angle, and the many stars who inspired or were inspired by them remain essential to the promotion’s legacy. For countless fans, the John Cena retirement match stands not just as an ending, but as a reminder of the rivalries and moments that shaped wrestling’s modern era.
