WWE Wrestlepalooza started with a blockbuster showdown as John Cena battled Brock Lesnar in what may be one of the last marquee bouts of Cena's iconic wrestling career.

But rather than a victorious victory lap, supporters saw The Beast beat the 17-time world champion in under 10 minutes. It made fans wonder why WWE allowed such an outcome.

Cena's Retirement Tour Takes an Unexpected Turn

WWE Wrestlepalooza Rumors: Did John Cena Personally Decide to Lose WWE Wrestlepalooza Rumors: Did John Cena Personally Decide to Lose
Elsa/Getty Images

With only a handful of appearances left before he hangs up his boots, many expected Cena to notch a major win on his farewell tour. Instead, Lesnar dominated the bout, leaving Cena defeated and the crowd divided.

While the match wasn't a squash on the level of their infamous SummerSlam 2014 showdown, it was decisive enough to leave fans questioning WWE's creative direction.

Adding fuel to the rumors, news emerged that Cena was initially scheduled to emerge victorious until Saturday morning. That changed when, as Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer reported, Cena himself insisted on losing.

Cena's Unselfish Call Behind the Scenes

Meltzer mentioned on Wrestling Observer Radio that Cena sought to "make people" on his way out, a custom of retiring legends.

"There's no plan for a rematch. I don't wanna say it was John's idea, but what I was basically told is, John is very unselfish, and he knows on the way out, he wants to make people. He wants to make big stars. So he felt that was...it's his call. And that was his call."

For Cena, losing the decision was not about defending his own legacy but about showing that Lesnar's dominance can open more interesting storylines in the future.

What's Next for Brock Lesnar?

With Cena out of the equation and no rematch in the works, talk turns to Lesnar's next opponent. According to The Ring Report, Meltzer had proposed that Cody Rhodes might be the natural option. He believes that defeating such a big name like Cena will set up Brock for "something big."

A clash with the Undisputed WWE Champion would qualify on that basis, especially as Lesnar approaches what most expect to be his retirement in 2026.

Other possible names in the running are CM Punk and Gunther. WWE could also set Lesnar up for a huge fight against Bron Breakker. Any of these feuds will be an instant headline for WWE's main event.

Fans are left speculating how Cena's career will end. Many think that his loss to Lesnar is not his final fight. Some say that he might continue to play his heel role.