Seth Rollins has come to the defense of John Cena following the controversial finish to his retirement match against Gunther. Cena tapped out to the top star at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, a decision that has sparked debate among fans who felt the “Never Give Up” icon should have gone out differently.
Speaking on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Rollins argued that the finish was fitting for Cena’s career arc. He interpreted the tap-out not as giving up, but as a symbolic passing of the torch.
“I have so many mixed feelings on it,” Rollins said. “John is one of the greatest of all time. His whole thing is ‘never give up.’ People were all over him for giving up, for tapping out, but it didn’t feel like he was giving it up. It felt like he was fading off into the sunset.”
Rollins noted that Cena accomplished what he set out to do in his final bout. By putting Gunther over in such a definitive manner, Cena solidified Gunther’s spot while closing his own chapter with grace.
“He had done his job, he was happy to do it, and he was handing the ball off,” Rollins continued. “That’s how I felt about it. I might be in the minority on that. At the end of the day, he smiled before he did it, and there is something poetic to that. I love John. It’s hard for me to second-guess anything he does.”
Becky Lynch, who also appeared on the podcast, had a more emotional reaction to the moment but noted a key difference in her own mindset. “He smiled, and I cried,” Lynch added.
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE. After more than two decades as the face of the company, the 16-time World Champion has officially hung up his boots at the age of 48.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit the Ross Tucker Podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
“I wouldn't have tapped.” – Becky Lynch
“People were all over him for giving up, for tapping out, but it didn't FEEL like he was giving it up. It felt like he was fading off into the sunset. He had done his job, he was happy to do it, and he was handing the ball off.” – Seth… pic.twitter.com/1Ou35opdIy
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) December 17, 2025
