Reaction: John Cena Retirement Match Finish Called “Perfect”
The “Greatest of All Time” addresses the mixed reaction to his final bout, explaining why tapping out to Gunther was the only way to close the book on his 23-year story.
The Final Curtain Call
During a recent appearance at Fan Expo New Orleans, John Cena broke his silence on the controversial finish to his retirement match against Gunther.
Key Quotes:
- On the Reaction: “A whole lot of people thought it sucked, and a whole lot… thought it was special.”
- On the Finish: A “perfect end” to a polarizing career.
- Future Status: WWE Ambassador; “Will never wrestle again.”
Source: Original Video via YouTube
The finish of the John Cena retirement match received a mixed response from fans, but for the man himself, it was the “perfect” end to his WWE story. On December 13, 2025, the wrestling world witnessed the end of an era when Cena faced Gunther, and the polarizing nature of the outcome has become a major talking point in the weeks since.
For fans expecting a fairytale ending where “Super Cena” flies off into the sunset with one last victory, the sight of him fading out in a sleeper hold was a bitter pill to swallow. However, during a Q&A session at Fan Expo New Orleans, Cena explained why that divisiveness was the point.
“I Don’t Ignore the Critics”: Embracing the Polarization
Reflecting on the John Cena retirement match, the 16-time World Champion thanked the fans for “not just conforming to a certain set of standards.” Throughout his two-decade run, Cena was the definition of a polarizing figure—cheered by children, booed by die-hards. He views the mixed reaction to his final loss as a poetic mirror to his entire career.
“I guess a kind of parallel to my career, I think it was a perfect end. Because a whole lot of people thought it sucked, and a whole lot of people thought it was special. And that’s kind of been my story for 23 years. So I thought it was perfect.”
For a superstar who famously ran toward the hostility of “One Night Stand” in 2006, ending his career on a note of contention feels strangely appropriate.
Deconstructing the Finish: The Smile
The most debated moment of the John Cena retirement match was not the loss itself, but the manner of it. Cena, whose character was built on the “Never Give Up” motto, tapped out to Gunther. However, as he faded in the sleeper hold, he flashed a serene smile across his face.
Cena explained this creative choice as a metaphor for mortality. The moment was intended to mirror someone “passing away peacefully after giving all they had.” By smiling as the lights went out on his in-ring career, Cena was signaling that he had nothing left to prove and was content with passing the torch to the next dominant force.
Creative Analysis: The Final Rub
From a booking perspective, the decision to have Cena tap out is monumental. Throughout his career, Cena rarely submitted, and doing so in his final match fundamentally subverts his superhero persona. This choice accomplishes two major goals:
First, it cements Gunther as the absolute apex predator of modern WWE. Defeating Cena is an accolade, but *making him quit* (or pass out) provides Gunther with a legendary feather in his cap. It is the ultimate “rub” a veteran can give on their way out.
Second, it creates a “human” ending for a character that often felt invincible. By losing decisively, Cena avoided the trope of the aging legend who holds on too long. He went out on his shield, defeated by a superior athlete in his prime.
The Future: “Man of My Word”
While his in-ring days are definitively over, John Cena’s relationship with WWE continues. He confirmed that he is under an ambassadorial contract, ensuring he will remain a part of the WWE family for years to come.
However, he made a solemn promise to the fanbase regarding the permanence of this decision. Unlike other legends who have utilized the “never say never” clause to return for one more payday, Cena insisted he is a “man of his word” and will never wrestle again. This finality adds weight to the Gunther match, ensuring it stands as the true conclusion to the greatest career in WWE history.
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