Randy Orton and John Cena have been staples of WWE’s most memorable main events for many years. Although Orton wasn’t present to watch Cena’s retirement match live, he made an effort to pay tribute to the occasion. Cena’s supposed final bout took place on Saturday, December 13th, where he was defeated by Gunther at the Saturday Night Main Event in Washington, DC—a heartfelt farewell that closed an illustrious wrestling career. Meanwhile, Orton, one of Cena’s greatest rivals, was promoting WWE events in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh Season and the Royal Rumble. Despite the physical distance, Orton took to Instagram to express his respect for Cena and appreciation for their long-standing rivalry.
Orton shared, “I entered the wrestling world with John Cena over 20 years ago. We’ve wrestled or faced each other at least 100 times. I would have loved to be in Washington DC to witness his emotional retirement, but John understands why I wasn’t there. I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia promoting Riyadh Season and Royal Rumble.” He further revealed that he and Cena exchanged messages the morning of Cena’s final match, saying, “It was an honor to talk with him on such a significant day. I’m excited to watch John’s career flourish in Hollywood and beyond. With him, the possibilities are endless.”
Orton also praised Cena not only for inspiring fans but for positively impacting the locker room and being a true friend to their extended WWE family, stating, “Thank you for being kind to our family through the years and for making the locker room a better place. Take care, John—we’ll meet again.” The two last clashed at WWE Backlash earlier this year, part of Cena’s farewell tour. Their rivalry remains one of WWE’s most iconic, filled with numerous title bouts and unforgettable moments.
As Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era, fans wonder if there will be one last on-screen moment between Cena and Orton, and whether Orton should have been part of Cena’s final match. What’s your take?
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Fan Take: This tribute from Randy Orton highlights the deep respect and camaraderie shared between two wrestling legends, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in WWE history. Cena’s retirement not only signals a changing of the guard but also leaves fans hopeful for what new rivalries and stories will emerge next in WWE.
