Less than a week after John Cena’s official retirement from WWE, much discussion has arisen about whether his farewell tour lived up to the expectations of fans—and perhaps even Cena himself. Spanning 24 years filled with memorable moments and intense drama, it seemed nearly impossible to fully satisfy everyone during this final chapter, leaving many to wonder if WWE even tried.
Cena’s retirement journey featured a mix of highs and lows, from a surprising loss in Indianapolis to the most significant villainous turn since 1996, followed by a return to form. Let’s take an honest look back at his last year in WWE, highlighting both the successes and shortcomings, and ultimately give a comprehensive evaluation of The Greatest of All Time’s concluding run.
The Upside: The Rumble Loss Sets the Stage
When Cena announced he would retire in 2024, fans had questions about how his final matches would unfold and how often they’d see him in the ring. The narrative was initially seen as narrow, focusing on Cena’s desire for a 17th championship to surpass Ric Flair’s record and cement his legacy. After a shocking defeat to Jey Uso at the Royal Rumble, Cena’s impassioned post-match speech hinted at a new, more complex side of him—a mix of desperation and determination willing to go to great lengths for glory.
The Downside: A Fumbled Heel Turn
Though some dismissed the idea, Cena shocked fans by turning heel after a victory, a move likened to Hulk Hogan’s infamous villainous shift in 1996. However, the storyline was confusing and poorly executed. Cena’s motivation—to “ruin wrestling” due to perceived disrespect from fans—felt undeveloped and clumsily handled, especially with cameo appearances from The Rock and Travis Scott that added little clarity. The heel persona lacked a coherent rationale, leaving this part of his arc feeling messy and anticlimactic.
Redemption: The GOAT Returns
Despite the missteps, Cena’s remaining matches refocused on his classic hero persona. Following a loss to Cody Rhodes, the storyline positioned him as a seasoned veteran coming to terms with his career’s end in a manner true to the Cena fans know and love. This phase included winning the Intercontinental Championship and achieving Grand Slam champion status, bringing a satisfying sense of closure that resonated emotionally with the audience.
The Final Chapter: Tap Out
In his last bout, Cena faced Gunter, a formidable opponent who forced the never-give-up star to submit. Though tapping out could be seen as defeat, Cena’s smile suggested acceptance and understanding—a symbolic moment akin to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s smile toward Darth Vader, representing sacrifice for the greater good of WWE’s future. The ending was poetic and fitting, leaving fans with a bittersweet farewell to a wrestling icon.
Overall Grade: B-
Grading a wrestling career’s conclusion is challenging and subjective. Cena’s retirement tour was far from flawless, delivering a mix of triumphs and frustrations. The emotional highs at the start and the poignant finale balanced out the uneven middle segment marked by an unfinished heel turn. While some questions remain unanswered about certain creative decisions, Cena’s final run still contributed meaningfully to WWE’s legacy and set the stage for future stars like Gunter. Ultimately, this tour was a fitting, if imperfect, farewell to a legend.
Fan Take: Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE, impacting both storylines and the next generation of talent. For fans, it’s a moment of reflection and excitement—showcasing that even legends face challenges, and that WWE’s evolution depends on making bold, sometimes risky creative choices.
