John Cenas final WWE match was meant to be a celebrationbut what unfolded left WWE officials scrambling to respond.
On December 13 at Saturday Nights Main Event, Cena tapped out to GUNTHER via sleeper hold in a shocking end to his legendary career. The crowd at Washington D.C.s Capital One Arena didnt take it lightlyand according to Wrestling Observer Radios Dave Meltzer, neither did WWE behind the scenes.
Meltzer revealed that WWE was caught off guard by the overwhelmingly hostile crowd reaction. While the company often braces for negative heat after controversial booking, this response apparently went beyond internal expectations.
Fans in attendance were not shy about voicing their displeasure. During what was supposed to be a post-match tribute to Cena, boos rained downdirected squarely at WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. The scene escalated as fans chanted You f**ked up and even AEW, hijacking the tribute and making their displeasure crystal clear.
The decision to have Cena tap outrather than lose in a more traditional or respectful fashionseems to be at the heart of the backlash. While GUNTHER has been built as a dominant force, many fans expected a more symbolic ending for a 17-time World Champion. Triple H later addressed the decision in a post-show segment, but the damage had already been done.
Did WWE mishandle John Cenas final match? Should GUNTHER have won differentlyor at all? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
