John Cena has finally spoken out following his controversial retirement match loss to Gunther in the main event of WWE Saturday Night. Despite the heated debate surrounding how he was defeated by the ring general, the 17-time world champion drew an analogy that might quiet his critics.
During the match at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Cena tapped out to Gunther with a smile, surprising the audience, many of whom were initially shocked and later booed until chants of “Thank you, Cena” filled the arena. Cena explained on Cody Rhodes’ podcast, “What Do You Wanna Talk About?”, that his smile symbolized a peaceful acceptance, comparing the tap-out to a ‘peaceful death’ where one endures just long enough to say goodbye to loved ones. He emphasized that the moment was filled with connection and meaning, expressing that he felt physically great but knew it was time to close the chapter on his wrestling career.
Although Cena’s “never give up” motto seemed contradicted by his tapout, his description of the match’s end as peaceful may resonate with fans who were upset by the finish.
Regarding Gunther, who has become a top WWE villain since defeating Cena and controversially taunting his win, Cena expressed deep respect for the Austrian star. Cena praised Gunther’s hard-hitting, dedicated style and acknowledged that wrestling can be done in many ways, not just his own. Gunther, a former two-time World Heavyweight Champion and record-holding Intercontinental Champion, continues to rise in WWE under Triple H’s creative leadership despite some family concerns about Cena’s final opponent.
Fan Take: This moment is significant for WWE fans as it marks the end of an era with Cena’s retirement framed in a poetic and respectful manner, bridging the past and future of wrestling. The rise of Gunther as a dominant heel signifies a shift in WWE’s landscape, promising fresh rivalries and storytelling that could invigorate the sport.
