John Cena’s final match as a WWE Superstar took place at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, but the outcome upset many fans. After Gunther emerged victorious over Cena, the crowd responded with loud booing, which intensified when Triple H appeared in the ring alongside current wrestlers and staff. The negative reaction was directed more at how Cena lost rather than his retirement itself. When Triple H displayed a tribute video to Cena, the boos grew louder, and even when CM Punk and Cody Rhodes honored Cena by placing the world title on his shoulders, the crowd’s displeasure persisted. This made for an embarrassing exit for the 48-year-old, despite a strong performance against Gunther.
The bout between Cena and Gunther met expectations with a lengthy, intense contest featuring multiple signature moves from both competitors, including a highlight where Cena delivered his AA move to Gunther, sending him into the announcer’s table. The audience chanted encouragement as Cena struggled in Gunther’s sleeper hold, but ultimately, Cena tapped out — his first submission loss in two decades. The crowd was shocked, angry, and incredulous at the conclusion.
Cena, known for his "never give up" slogan, had it symbolically challenged by this submission defeat, signaling his career’s end in a less triumphant manner than fans had hoped. Gunther now holds the distinction of being the man who ended Cena’s in-ring career. Some believe that the timing and manner of this loss could have been better handled, especially given the emotional weight of Cena’s farewell. Although the send-off overshadowed Cena’s moment in the ring, at least he left professional wrestling with a final acknowledgment to his efforts and a thank you to the fans.
Fan Take: This moment is pivotal for WWE fans as it marks the end of an era with one of wrestling’s greatest icons stepping away, but it also sparks debate on how retirements should be honored in the sport. Cena’s loss to Gunther may fuel new storylines and elevate emerging stars, symbolizing the ever-evolving landscape of WWE.
