The conclusion of John Cena’s career was marked by a radiant tribute, yet it also revealed some unsettling undertones. WWE ended “Saturday Night’s Main Event” with an extensive video montage showing reactions from Cena’s peers, including a brief appearance by former WWE CEO Vince McMahon. During the montage, McMahon can be seen presenting Cena with flowers in acknowledgment of his remarkable career, but this clip was actually archival footage, evidenced by the old WWE logo in the background. Additionally, footage of Triple H (Paul Levesque) used in the video was also identified as archival material.
McMahon’s clipped cameo, although brief, stirred mixed feelings among the WWE audience. Known for his decades-long role as WWE’s CEO and creative leader, McMahon has played a significant role in Cena’s professional journey, with Cena often referring to him as his greatest mentor. However, McMahon was banned from WWE in 2024 following a lawsuit filed by former employee Janelle Grant, accusing McMahon and other WWE officials of sex trafficking—a case still unresolved as of mid-2025. Neither Cena nor McMahon has commented publicly on the use of the old footage in Cena’s tribute video.
Fan Take: This moment highlights the complicated legacy within WWE, where honoring a legend like John Cena becomes tangled with the controversy surrounding Vince McMahon. For fans, it underscores the need for the sport to evolve beyond the shadows of its past while still celebrating its iconic figures.
