John Cena Deserved Better Than This
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From the moment 2025 began, John Cena made it clear 2025 would be his final year in professional wrestling. WWE framed it as a retirement tour and one of the company’s biggest stories of the year. Now that it’s over, the conclusion feels unavoidable. WWE failed John Cena’s retirement.
The biggest problem was the lack of direction. There was never a clear long term plan, and it showed throughout the year. WWE leaned into quick viral moments instead of telling a focused story. Cena’s heel turn grabbed attention from casual and non wrestling fans, but it was never properly explored. Nearly six months of his farewell run were spent on a turn that ultimately led nowhere, despite its potential. Cena later admitting in interviews that there was no real plan only confirmed what fans already felt.
The Rock’s involvement only added to the confusion. WWE teased something significant, inserted him into the story, and then never explained what his role actually meant. It was a major loose end that was simply ignored.
A Tournament That Fell Flat
Ending Cena’s retirement tour with a tournament was an odd decision from the start. The lineup did little to make the moment feel special. Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Zack Ryder, and Jey Uso are capable performers, but none felt like meaningful final opponents for someone of Cena’s stature.
Gunther winning the tournament was divisive. While the match itself was solid, many fans expected Cena to elevate a younger talent on his way out. The finish made things worse. Cena tapping out in his final match felt unnecessary and went against the image that defined his career.
Where the Storytelling Broke Down
The responsibility for Cena’s retirement booking ultimately falls on Paul Levesque. WWE leadership often speaks about long term storytelling and presents the company as a live action cinematic universe. Cena’s farewell was the perfect chance to prove that approach works.
Instead, it highlighted the disconnect. Cena was reportedly available for far more dates than he appeared, yet WWE only used him sparingly throughout the year. For a retirement tour, that decision makes little sense.
The fan reaction after Cena’s final match said it all. Paul Levesque was loudly booed, and chants for AEW followed during the post show. It became even more uncomfortable when he attempted to explain the finish afterward. A well told story should never require an explanation.
The Comparison WWE Invited
Online discussion quickly turned toward Sting’s retirement in AEW. Comparisons are often unfair, but WWE opened the door by mishandling Cena’s farewell. Sting’s final run felt intentional, respectful, and emotionally complete. Cena’s did not.
John Cena belongs in the same historical conversation as Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and Bruno Sammartino. WWE had a rare opportunity to give one of its greatest stars a proper ending. Instead, Cena’s retirement became another example of a moment that should have been unforgettable but wasn’t.
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