WWE Saturday Night Showdown: Get Ready for Action-Packed Entertainment!

For wrestling enthusiasts, this marks the beginning of a new era following John Cena’s retirement after a tough defeat against Gunther. The details of the event have been covered in the results page, so we’ll focus on the analysis of what went right and wrong, discussed in “Likes” and “Dislikes” columns.

Aside from lamenting Cena’s departure, fans can look forward to the Dec. 13 broadcast of “Saturday Night Main Event,” where they can evaluate who emerged as victors and who didn’t. This isn’t just about wins and losses; while Gunther may have been triumphant, the tides can shift quickly—as we’ve seen with Cody Rhodes as well as John Cena. These are my opinions, and that’s the beauty of personal viewpoints.

That’s enough grandstanding from me. Without a sponsorship like WWE’s, I can’t skip to the good parts, so let’s jump into the highlights from The Big Show this past Saturday in our nation’s capital.

No matter your perspective, I hope that when it’s time to reflect on our own journeys, we can find peace similar to John Cena’s. During his retirement match, when Cena tapped out to Gunther’s choke, he wore a smile, signifying a career fulfilled, a moment that will certainly resonate as one of wrestling’s most memorable visuals, amplified by the crowd’s spirited reaction.

Cena has long been seen as a calculating competitor, often compared to a machine. Yet, on Saturday, he displayed perhaps his most human side, visibly needing support from the audience throughout his struggle with Gunther, especially when he implored them for strength to deliver one last Five Knuckle Shuffle. Ultimately, he found himself trapped in the very maneuver that signified the end of his storied career.

Throughout the match, Cena oscillated between moments of brilliance and vulnerability. Although it felt inevitable that he would lose, he made it believable that one last attitude adjustment could shift the outcome. However, he recognized the reality first, gracefully accepting his defeat.

Before “Saturday Night’s Main Event,” many speculated that the controversial former chairman Vince McMahon might show up in Washington, D.C., to honor the legacy of past icons like Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Vince has a knack for defying expectations, and WWE often presents itself as untouchable. So, I was surprised to see him reduced to old footage during the evening’s video packages.

If WWE and TKO Group didn’t feel confident enough to feature Vince one last time in a farewell to Cena, it signifies a shift. He’s becoming a more background figure, and it seems his influence on WWE is waning. While there are still many toxic elements within the organization, removing Vince would mark a significant change. If he remains hidden or ultimately excluded from the spotlight, that could signify a welcome transformation.

Now, let’s have a chat, Millennials. If you were born roughly between 1985 and 1995, it’s time to recognize that we’re aging. With John Cena’s retirement and R-Truth passing on the comedy baton, we’ve reached a nostalgic milestone, marked by a sentimental video featuring “Sweet Disposition” from Temper Trap, a classic of millennial culture. It was a reminder that, just like everything else, we too are growing older.

Last night showcased exceptional talent from Jevon Evans and Leon Slater, while AJ Styles emerged as “The Future.” Neither were even born when Cena made his debut in 2002. As we become more aware of time’s relentless march, Cena’s retirement serves as a reminder to care for ourselves better. Someday, the newer generation will reflect on their heroes’ retirements, feeling a similar nostalgia, as the battle between the old and new guard continues to evolve within the wrestling landscape.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque has consistently excelled as a heel, relishing the boos from the audience. His reaction during Cena’s farewell showed the audience that he was no longer simply a fan favorite.

Being a wrestling booker in 2025 presents unique challenges. Yet, Levesque managed to craft a show that resonated with the fans, revealing the thoughtfulness behind each moment. Regardless of crowd opinions, he understood that Gunther is the future of the WWE, and his remarkable ability to wrestle makes it hard for fans to genuinely dislike him. Levesque’s decisions culminated in a match that stands out as one of the best in both Gunther’s and Cena’s careers.

For the first time, Levesque might have shed the traditional figurehead role, taking creative control and making impactful choices as a producer.

Despite all the praise, it would be remiss not to acknowledge that Levesque faces immense pressure following such a consequential show. Gunther has to leverage the heat he gained, and it’s up to him to regain any lost goodwill from fans. With stars of the past potentially retiring soon, it’s critical that Gunther maintains his momentum; one misstep could hinder his capacity to play the heel convincingly moving forward.

Levesque is at a crossroads, needing to act swiftly to capitalize on this moment because fans are quick to shift their loyalties. As Millennials age, the attention spans of younger audiences dwindle even more, necessitating that WWE continuously engage fans rapidly.