John Cena’s retirement night was marked by controversy following his match with Gunther, but WWE honored the 17-time world champion by recreating a memorable 2005 segment featuring Hulk Hogan. During the main event on Saturday Night, Gunther forced Cena to submit, much to the dismay of the crowd at Capital One Arena, who voiced their disapproval loudly. The momentary boos quieted when CM Punk and Cody Rhodes entered the ring and placed the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship on Cena’s shoulders, surprising the 48-year-old as he raised both titles to the fans. This scene paid homage to a 2005 event where Cena and Batista presented Hogan with two world titles after a dark six-man tag match, symbolizing a passing of the torch—a fitting tribute as Hogan passed away in July of this year. Throughout the night, Cena displayed his youthful spirit alongside rising talents in various matches.
Hulk Hogan has publicly named John Cena his favorite wrestler, praising him in a Forbes interview for his dedication, especially his commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Despite never having a one-on-one match against each other, Cena and Hogan shared the ring on a few occasions and are widely recognized as two of wrestling’s greatest legends.
Fan Take: This tribute not only honors John Cena’s impactful legacy but also acknowledges the deep history and evolution of WWE. For fans, it signals a meaningful transition between eras, reminding everyone that the spirit of wrestling greatness lives on through both its past icons and its future stars.
