Wrestling legend John Cena has called it a career. During the Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, the 48-year-old star stepped out of the ring for the final time following his showdown with Gunther.
It wasn’t the ending that fans would have hoped from an icon of the sport. Cena lost to Gunther after tapping out to a chokehold. Nonetheless, considering everything he has accomplished, the defeat didn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Some even thought of it as a passing of the torch of some sort, a symbolic gesture in which Cena was showing everyone that the WWE is in good hands with its latest roster of stars.
However, what Cena did before he tapped out stood out even more. For those who missed it, Cena was seen smiling before ending the match.
“John Cena smiling before tapping out. After all these years he knew his time is up. He told us that at some point in our life, we have to give up. This is what it’s all about. It’s all about life,” a fan wrote while sharing the moment.
Fans React to John Cena’s Final Move
Several other took notice of what Cena did for his final move, and fans shared a similar sentiment, praising Cena for such a poetic finish.
“Ending to the John Cena match was pure poetry – a man who knows he’s done and fully embraces the end with a smile on his face. #ThankYouCena,” a fan wrote.
Another one said, “The show ended the way John Cena wanted it to end. He literally tapped out with a smile on his face knowing he’s trying to leave the company in a better place. This shouldn’t be controversial.”
“This smile before tapping out. Cena has always respected the traditional wrestling. This was what he would have wanted. This is what he wanted to give back to the audience, sport and entertainment,” a commenter added.
“The smile told the final story. He smiled because it happened. The entire legendary career happened. Thank you, John Cena,” a viewer noted.
Even with a loss, Cena certainly made a lasting impression.
John Cena’s Legacy
While his career is over, Cena will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen.
After debuting in WWE in 2002, he became a Grand Slam champion and an Intercontinental champion. He also has 17 WWE world titles, as well as five United States championships.
A four-time WWE tag team champion, Cena is also one of just six men to win multiple Royal Rumble matches, which he did so in 2008 and 2013, according to ESPN.
