Kurt Angle has sent a message to John Cena ahead of the 17-time world champion’s retirement match on December 13. Cena will hang up his jorts for good following Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he will face Gunther in his final ever match.
With Gunther set to be Cena’s last opponent, the retiring star’s first WWE main roster opponent has now taken to social media with a heartfelt message. Kurt Angle shared a photo from his and Cena’s face-off before their match on the June 27, 2002 SmackDown episode, with Cena having answered Angle’s open challenge.
Angle shared this photo on Instagram with the following caption:
“Who in the hell are you? I’m John Cena. From his unforgettable moments in the ring to his inspiring presence outside of it, John Cena has truly left an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment. I am proud to have been part of his journey, and what a ride it has been for him. His dedication, resilience, and passion have inspired countless fans and peers alike. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life. Enjoy your last ride, John….a legend forever. Welcome to retirement, my friend.”
The choice of Gunther as the final opponent provides a stark contrast to Cena’s debut. While Cena famously showed “Ruthless Aggression” against Angle to launch his career, he now faces the “Ring General” to close it. Angle’s message highlights the symmetry of Cena’s journey, acknowledging the transformation from a rookie answering an open challenge to a franchise player leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and will stream live on Peacock. In addition to Cena’s retirement match, the card features Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi in a Champion vs. Champion match, Bayley taking on Sol Ruca, and a tag team title bout pitting AJ Styles and Dragon Lee against Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater.
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