John Cena’s final match against Gunther is remembered largely for its controversial conclusion, where the 17-time world champion shockingly submitted. The crowd at Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena reacted with loud boos, directing much of their frustration toward WWE’s chief content officer, Triple H.
The main point of contention among fans was Cena’s loss contradicting his lifelong slogan of “never give up.” Cena later clarified that the ending was meant to symbolize his acceptance of retirement, akin to the fading of a dying light.
Despite Cena’s explanation, the defeat sparked criticism from fans and wrestling journalists alike. Many felt that Gunther, who is 48, made Cena seem weak by calmly imposing his conditions with a smile. Although the uproar around Cena’s farewell match has quieted since earlier this year, it still stands as one of WWE’s most debated booking choices. Cena’s social media activity often puzzles fans, and a recent unusual tweet summed up the backlash perfectly. On X, he wrote:
“We all get frustrated and angry, but remember that how you act matters. Taking your emotions out on unworthy individuals only adds to the pain.”
While this message wasn’t directly about the negative response Triple H faced after the match with Gunther, it aptly describes the reaction that spoiled what was supposed to be a memorable finale for Cena. Recently, Triple H’s booking decisions, especially for WrestleMania 42, have faced criticism, with frequent changes fueling fan skepticism. Many believe Cena’s farewell did not receive the respectful send-off it deserved.
During his retirement tour, Cena clashed with notable rivals like CM Punk, successfully defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Punk at June 2025’s Night of Champions. Punk admitted he thought he should have been Cena’s final opponent but respected WWE’s choice to give the honor to Gunther. However, he found the fans’ reaction to the match outcome puzzling:
“Some people may not understand what they’re seeing, but if you don’t like it, I get that. What’s strange is how it turns into your entire identity overnight, and people spend an unhealthy amount of time obsessing over it.”
Punk isn’t planning to retire soon and will enter WrestleMania in April as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, defending his title against Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns in the main event.
Fan Take: This controversy highlights the delicate balance WWE must maintain between storytelling and fan expectations, especially when handling the careers of legendary wrestlers like John Cena. How WWE navigates such moments can significantly impact its relationship with longtime fans and shape its future narrative direction.
