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John Cena's Surprise Exit: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

Washington, D.C., USAMonday, December 15, 2025
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John Cena's wrestling journey ended with a bang, but not the kind fans expected.

  • Instead of a victory, he tapped out to Gunther, leaving everyone stunned.
  • The crowd in Washington, D.C., was on their feet, hoping for a triumphant send-off.
  • But when Cena submitted, the arena erupted in boos.

A Shocking End to a Legendary Career

After the match:

  • Cena received a standing ovation from fellow wrestlers.
  • Cody Rhodes and CM Punk even offered him their championship belts, a nod to a similar moment from 20 years ago.
  • The mood changed when Triple H stepped into the ring.
  • The crowd's reaction was harsh, with chants of "You f*cked up" echoing through the arena.

The Tradition and the Backlash

  • The idea of a wrestler losing their final match is an old tradition in wrestling.
  • It's supposed to make way for new stars.
  • But Cena had already lost a few times before this match.
  • Some argue he had given enough to the future of wrestling.

Triple H Defends the Decision

  • Triple H defended the decision, saying it was planned to fit the story.
  • Many fans felt it took away from Gunther's victory.
  • They saw it as Triple H making all the decisions, leaving no room for surprise or excitement.
  • The fans' anger wasn't just about this match. It was about Cena's whole retirement tour, which felt rushed and unclear.

Cena's Year of Ups and Downs

  • Cena's year was full of ups and downs.
  • He turned heel, won a record-breaking 17th world title, and even became a Grand Slam Champion.
  • But his matches were hit or miss.
  • Some were great, like his victory at WrestleMania 41, while others were forgettable, like his loss to Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza.
  • In the end, Cena left with love from his peers, but fans were left wondering if his final moments were truly his choice.

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