While John Cena has lived by the “Never Give Up” mantra for more than 2 decades, the WWE icon was forced to submit to Gunther in his final match.
The 17-time World Champion competed against The Ring General in the last match at the Saturday Night’s Main Event special on December 13 in Washington D.C. The closing moments of the match saw Cena attempt to fight out of Gunther’s rear naked choke, but in the end he had no choice but to tap out, prompting heavy boos from the fans in attendance.
After the match, the roster and Hall of Famers surrounded the ring to honour the WWE legend. Triple H, who was heavily booed by the fans, also entered the ring with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, who each handed Cena their titles. Triple H then introduced a video package highlighting Cena’s career. When the video ended, Cena took off his sneakers and wristbands and made his way up the ramp. Cena gave one final salute to the fans to close out the show.
Unsurprisingly, Cena was given a thunderous ovation when his music hit for the last time. Cena hit his trademark big moves throughout the match, including an Attitude Adjustment through the announce table, but the veteran was unable to put Gunther away.
Why Did John Cena Give Up To Gunther?
The finish was a controversial one for the fans in attendance, as they continued to boo Triple H during the Saturday Night’s Main Event post-show, which also included AEW chants in frustration. After first joking that he thought the reaction would be louder, the Chief Content Officer explained why the finish was booked to have Cena lose via submission, something the 17-time WWE Champion has only done a handful of times throughout his career:
“John has said the right thing his entire career, that is about leaving this place better than you found it. There’s no way for people to understand that in the moment,” he said. “But you do what is right for the business, you do what is right for this industry, John has done that his entire career, and I’m going to do that my entire career. I will do what I believe is right for this business, which it is what it is. I understand that’s tough for people to understand.”
“If you want to talk behind the scenes, he will put over somebody on the way out,” he later continued. “He will leave this better than he found it. He will go into the ring and make somebody on his way out. That’s what John has always done. I know people will criticize this and people will look at it and talk about this moment right here. I’ve got big shoulders, I’m good with it.”
Featured image: WWE
