Wow, he tapped out?!
Or did he?
We all anticipated the final moment for John Cena in a pro wrestling ring, and what happened this past Saturday left all of us pro wrestling fans with an opinion - did you like the ending?
It was jarring to watch Cena tap out initially. However, as common as "final matches" are beginning to feel as of late (Dudley Boyz and Goldberg in 2025, AJ's announcement that 2026 is his last, and the strong rumor for the same fate for Brock Lesnar in 2026), as pro wrestling fans, we just don't believe yet that wrestling retirements are for real. Because why would we? Nonetheless, we've gotten some unique send-offs that tug on the emotion and mean more AFTER the dust has settled.
I think back to TNA Slammmiversary just this year, in Bubba Ray Dudley "giving up" and allowing himself to be put through the table for the Dudley Boyz send off. In the moment, it seemed awkward and weird. But as time has gone on, the finish has aged really well.
And in a very similar fashion, that is what we got with Cena...his smiling face within the grips of Gunther's sleeper hold, subtly tapping.
Ugh...what?!!!!
I bought into the Cena character...I especially loved how much it meant to kids. Most notably, the hundreds of Make-A-Wish kids he's had contact with over the years. In my book, the GOAT moniker isn't just some WWE-fabricated or machine-driven marketing ploy. Cena is that dude.
In the moment, it felt too cute. Like, really?
What I thought might happen is what I tricked myself into fully expecting to happen, which was Gunther trying, and trying, and trying to make Cena submit. Instead, the ending finalizing with Cena either passing out or Gunther having to just settle for a pinfall.
Never. Give. Up.
You know...the brand.
Yet, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if the meaning is not Cena "tapping out" or "giving up", but more so the moment of John Cena, the character, and John Cena, the person, for a split moment, coming together, and him letting this thing go...for good.
Ahhhhh you're being too cute.
Maybe so. Regardless of how he lost, I do believe Cena SHOULD have lost. A win does nothing for anyone, especially for the guy who was given a chance by a Gold Medalist in Kurt Angle, and has been very adamant about doing as much as he possibly could to pass it on to the next generation.
So yeah, I'm okay with the tap out.
The more I'm removed from the shock and instant reaction of the night, the more I realize that it really was the most "John Cena" way to close the chapter. Our hero wasn't the same at all on this run, and really, for a few years now. Now, our hero has fallen. In so many ways, we've never seen anything like this...go figure.
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Some other quick thoughts on John Cena's Last Match:
Retirement Tour CriticismNow that the tour is over, I fully expect lots of takes and reactions to the entire ordeal that was this 2025 for Cena. I'm sure the strong consensus is that the final year ebbed and flowed and could have been better. I share a lot of similar sentiments, especially the heel run after what was an amazing heel turn.
But truthfully, I'm just glad we got it. Even in listening to his interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, so much of the creative and the lack of time involved made sense.
My favourite wrestler of all-time is Bret Hart. And like, make Hitman fans, we never got an opportunity for closure. Hart's career just ended (Thanks, Bill Goldberg).
For me, it was a run that I think will be looked upon more fondly over time. Especially as the Cena generation gets older.
Gunther, WWE, Don't Screw It Up!
I loved what this will do for Gunther. He now has mega heat as a heel and is set up to take a huge leap in his career. Yes, this is a rare retirement - also, this is a VERY rare and sensitive creative opportunity to set Gunther up for the next decade in the WWE.
The man who retired John Cena!
Whew, that's a lot of responsibility.
I also hope that sleeper becomes a protected move (one again - shout out, Roddy Piper!)
I'm looking forward to Gunther's next phase, and also how the WWE will respond creatively to capitalize on it all. Will Cody look to defend Cena?
Whew!
That was some heavy line by Michael Cole after the bell rang.
It could be for nothing, or this genuinely could be the official beginning of a new generation in the WWE
Who is Next?
As mentioned, AJ Styles is awaiting whatever his closure will look like to pro wrestling fans.
Whatever is planned, we all better get one more match in TNA. Kazarian vs. AJ Styles?
A Brock Lesnar finale at Summerslam in Minnesota.
Who in the world beats Lesnar? Is it Gunther, again!?
This beautiful art form we love is in a transition of eras.
And finally...
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I was in attendance with my son at Summerslam for John Cena's entrance.
It's not a flex, but I'm just forever grateful for that moment with my son. It was my last time getting to see Cena live, and his first AND last time.
Something tells me that will stay with him forever.
We're in a transitional period, but I absolutely love how generational this thing called pro wrestling is, and continues to be. It's beautiful.
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Thank You, Cena.