John Cena’s submission to Gunther’s sleeper hold in the main event of WWE Saturday Night has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans viewing it as symbolic and others expressing outrage. The Miz believes this was the perfect conclusion to Cena’s legendary career, noting that Cena left wrestling as the record holder with 17 world championships in WWE.
Speaking after the show, The Miz, separating himself from his WWE character, stated, "This is exactly how John Cena’s final match should have ended. Gunther was the right choice and he delivered. He’s ready to handle the pressure, defeat Cena, and be remembered as the man who made Cena tap out. I’m eager to see what unfolds on Monday Night Raw."
The Miz also shared that he wouldn’t have been happy if Cena had defeated Gunther, who is viewed as the future of WWE. Despite being in his late 30s, Miz says Gunther is in his prime and incredibly formidable, having personally experienced his skills in the ring. The Miz credits Gunther for helping him become a fan favorite during their matches.
Additionally, though often disliked by fans, The Miz found much support at WWE Survivor Series 2023, even in his unsuccessful challenge against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.
Delving deeper into the match, The Miz highlighted the sleeper hold as a traditional finishing move and praised Gunther’s intensity. He emphasized that Gunther embodies everything John Cena should have faced in his career – the toughest enemy who fans love to boo. Cena’s tap-out signals a shift in WWE storytelling, where even its biggest hero can be bested.
Following this match, Cena announced his retirement from in-ring competition, confirmed by WWE relocating him to their alumni section. Prior to Cena’s final bout, Miz participated in a segment where he was defeated by R-Truth and Joe Hendry.
If using quotes from this article, please credit Wrestling Inc., transcribed by WWE.
Fan Take: This moment is significant for WWE fans as it marks the end of an era with John Cena’s retirement while spotlighting Gunther as a rising star ready to carry the torch. It represents a meaningful evolution in WWE storytelling where legacy and future collide, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling.
