John Cena’s WWE Farewell: A Tribute Turned Down and a Legacy Secured
John Cena, the legendary wrestler, has officially hung up his boots in the WWE ring. But his final match on November 17th wasn’t just about saying goodbye; it was about shaping the future of WWE.
The Iconic Match: Cena, at 48, joined forces with Rey Mysterio and Sheamus to battle The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio. This match, a true spectacle, marked Cena’s last appearance in the squared circle.
A Bold Interruption: As Cena addressed the fans in the iconic Madison Square Garden, ‘Dirty’ Dom interrupted, demanding a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. Cena, ever the sportsman, accepted, but the match was set for Survivor Series: WarGames.
The Babyface Victory: The ensuing brawl saw Cena and his allies prevail, with Cena pinning McDonagh after a signature Attitude Adjustment.
A Tribute Rejected: In a surprising turn, Cena revealed on RAW Recap that he had declined a tribute show proposed by Triple H. He believed a traditional tribute might not satisfy everyone and could fall short of expectations. Instead, he suggested exhibition matches showcasing WWE’s future stars.
Cena’s words: “I called Triple H and said, ‘Let’s do something different.’ A full tribute might not do justice to my career or the fans’ expectations. So, I proposed exhibition matches with top WWE Superstars against NXT’s rising talents. This way, we honor the past and present while giving fans a glimpse of the future.”
A Legacy Secured: Cena’s final match wasn’t just about his retirement; it was about passing the torch. By advocating for exhibition matches, he ensured the spotlight shone on the next generation of WWE Superstars.
Meanwhile, the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament progresses, with Gunther and Solo Sikoa advancing to join Sheamus, Rusev, Jey Uso, and LA Knight in the next round. The upcoming SmackDown promises more action with Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes and Penta vs. Finn Balor.
But here’s the question: Did Cena make the right call by rejecting the traditional tribute? Was his decision a sign of humility or a strategic move to spotlight the future of WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below!