John Cena Sr. has shared his reaction after John Cena lost his final WWE match to Gunther.
Cena faced Gunther in his retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event and lost after tapping out to a rear-naked choke. The finish shocked many fans and left them emotional, including Cena’s father.
Speaking with Bill Apter, Cena Sr. said he saw how deeply the moment affected people and admitted he would have booked the ending differently. He said, “Bill, the only thing I can say is I saw a lot of people cry. Do I believe that’s the way it should have ended? I might have done it differently. I think it might have been better for everyone had it ended differently.”
He continued, “But you and I have been in the business for a while, and I guess the unwritten rule is when you’re going out, you’re going down. So I guess the only thing I can say is they did what they had to do, what’s best for business.”
He also praised both men for their performance, “I think Gunther and Cena put on a tremendous show. I think the match was outstanding… There were several areas there where I was amazed that both men were still on their feet. That’s how good that match was.”
John Cena Sr. expected the loss but was surprised by the tap out finish
He expected Cena to lose, he did not think his son would tap out. He said, “Did I expect a tap out? I’ll be real honest with you, Bill. I would have expected a pass out and still Gunther be the winner… it’s almost like the Brock Lesnar beating.”
“That’s what it turned out to be in the long run. They had as much time as they needed. Again, I think they both did a fabulous, fabulous job. Gunther did exactly what he was supposed to do. You got to give that man credit. He was supposed to be the villain, and he played it to the end.”
While addressing the criticism of the finish, he said, “Regardless of what’s happened, I guess it’s happened because it’s best for everyone. I guess in the wrestling business, you and I would agree that we can’t please everyone all the time.” [H/T: 411mania]
A few weeks ago, Cena Sr. had also said Gunther did not need the rub from retiring John Cena. Even so, he respected the decision and acknowledged that both wrestlers delivered a powerful and memorable final match.
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