John Cena Explains Why 'Going Peacefully' Was the Point of His Final WWE Match

John Cena has finally addressed the controversial finish of his WWE retirement match, offering insight into a moment that left fans sharply divided.

Known throughout his career for resilience and an unyielding fighting spirit, Cena's decision to submit rather than fight on stunned many viewers. However, Cena said the moment was never about weakness but about resolution.

Farewell Built on Closure, Not Resistance

John Cena Explains Why 'Going Peacefully' Was the Point of

Cena explained that his farewell run was designed as a metaphor for the natural life cycle and the acceptance that every journey has an end. According to him, the final match was meant to represent peace rather than defiance.

Appearing on "What Do You Wanna Talk About?", the podcast hosted by Cody Rhodes, Cena reflected on his final match, which ended with him tapping out to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event. The result marked a symbolic closing chapter to one of the most iconic careers in professional wrestling.

"So now I'm out there. They hate the guy I'm working with. They universally cheer me. That is f***ng rare. And for the last five minutes, everything I preach about story, and drama, and having a conversation with the audience. The ones I love are in the front row. I know my colleagues are watching on the monitor back there. We're just in a sleeper hold, man. We're just in a sleeper hold, but we're having that conversation with the audience."

He added that he had been transparent during press appearances leading up to the bout, encouraging fans to find closure even if they doubted that he would truly retire.

The Crowd's Role in the Final Moment

During the match, Cena said he became acutely aware of the crowd's energy, noting that the audience was firmly behind him. While Gunther was met with boos, Cena received unwavering support.

Rather than focusing on executing moves late in the match, Cena described the submission sequence as a conversation with the fans and those backstage who had shared in his career.

So as I essentially take my last breath, I have struggled. If you think of somebody, the natural causes scenario, or however we picture loss in our life. All of us have been through it. They struggle, they struggle, they struggle. They hang on just long enough to make sure to say goodbye to everybody that's been meaningful in their lives. And that whole day was so many unbelievably vulnerable, meaningful conversations. And then you realize, I've connected with everybody I love. Physically, I feel great. I think it's time to take that last breath. And that's that.

'The Smile Was Acceptance'

Cena also agreed with Rhodes' comparison of the moment to Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars," according to Cagesideseats. It appears that he instead embraced the end with dignity rather than resistance.

Cena said that the smile was intentional, and it's the "acceptance" itself. At that moment, there's only one thing on his mind: to lose peacefully and thank the fans for everything.

Art, Interpretation, and Letting Go

Reflecting on the mixed reaction from fans, Cena acknowledged that once a moment is presented to the public, its meaning no longer belongs solely to its creator.

"So that's what the artist was thinking when painting the picture. The audience didn't necessarily get that, and nine times out of ten, Cody, you know they don't even need to get it."

While some fans disagreed with the message conveyed by his final match, Cena said he was at peace with the response. To him, the alternative, delivering a finale without purpose, would have reduced the moment to spectacle.

In the backstage area, Cena's co-WWE superstars paid tribute to him ahead of his final match, but Randy Orton was noticeably missing from the expected guests.