John Cena has provided an explanation for the controversial finish to his final WWE match, revealing that his decision to tap out was a symbolic choice representing a peaceful end to his career. The 17-time World Champion wrestled his last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, where he was defeated by Gunther via a sleeper hold submission.
For a character defined for two decades by the mantra “Never Give Up,” seeing Cena submit in his farewell contest was a shock to many fans. However, speaking to Cody Rhodes on the What Do You Want To Talk About? podcast, Cena explained that the finish was designed to resemble a character “taking their last breath” surrounded by loved ones, rather than a simple athletic defeat.
“I envision something beautiful. Saturday far exceeded whatever was in my heart and soul,” Cena said. “I know I’m out there one last time. I’m out there, and they hate the guy I’m working with. They universally cheer me. That is f**king rare. For the last five minutes, everything I preach about story, drama, and having a conversation with the audience…the ones I love are in the front row, I know my colleagues are watching on the monitor in the back.”
Cena detailed the storytelling mechanics of the final moments, describing the sleeper hold not just as a wrestling maneuver, but as a vehicle for a final emotional exchange with the audience. He compared the struggle in the hold to the final moments of life, where one holds on just long enough to say goodbye before finally letting go.
“We’re just in a sleeper hold, but we’re having that conversation with the audience. As I essentially take my last breath and have struggled,” Cena explained. “You think of somebody, the natural causes scenario or however we picture loss in our life, all of us have been through it. They struggle and struggle, but they hang on just long enough to make sure to say goodbye to everyone that is meaningful in their lives.”
The decision to tap out was meant to signify that Cena had completed his journey and connected with everyone he needed to before the end. He wanted the visual to be one of peace and acceptance.
“That whole day was so many meaningful and vulnerable conversations. Then, you realize, I’ve connected with everybody I love. Physically, I feel great. I think it’s time to take that last breath,” Cena told Rhodes. “I hate to keep going back to obituaries, but that was, ‘This person died peacefully.'”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit What Do You Want To Talk About? with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
