John Cena Explains Smile Before Tapping Out To End WWE Career

John Cena’s final match of his career shocked fans everywhere.

At WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, the 17-time World Champion faced Gunther, who had earned the right to challenge him by winning the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament.

Expectedly, The Ring General dominated the match, but Cena fought back to produce a few magic moments that gave fans the hope of seeing him win for one last time.

However, despite his efforts, Cena fell into the clutches of Gunther’s sleeper hold, which led to him meekly tapping out, but with a smile on his face.

The audience in Capital One Arena watched in shock as the 38-year-old celebrated his victory before giving the veteran his stage to bid adieu.

John Cena Explains Why He Smiled Before Tapping Out To Gunther

Appearing for his first interview post-retirement on What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes, John Cena was asked about the final moments of the SNME match, where he smiled before giving up.

The 48-year-old admitted that in the moment, he did not feel like he was accepting defeat. Instead, he likened it to death, claiming that it felt peaceful that his chapter in wrestling had ended.

We’re having that conversation with the audience. And as I’m essentially taking my last breath, I thought about how, when someone is passing — whether it’s natural causes or however we picture loss — they struggle and struggle, hanging on just long enough to say goodbye to everyone who mattered in their life.

Cena revealed that earlier in the day, he spoke to everyone who mattered to him backstage, and as he remained intact in the sleeper hold, he knew he had done everything he could.

Then you realize — I’ve connected with everyone I love. Physically, I feel great. And I think it’s time to take that last breath — and that’s it.

You always read, ‘This person died peacefully.’ That’s what it felt like. I faced death with a smile — knowing we’re in a good place, knowing things are going to be great moving forward.

John Cena’s custom shirt he wore on the night also read: “I gave everything. Thank you for everything.”

H/T: Ringside News