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“You Would Do That?” John Cena Surprised Triple H With Unexpected WWE Decision

WWE CCO Triple H & John Cena (Images via X/@TripleH)
WWE CCO Triple H & John Cena (Images via X/@TripleH)

John Cena’s major decision surprised Triple H.

Throughout John Cena’s WWE career, he became known by the slogan “Never Give Up.” It was more than just a catchphrase to him. It was a way of life, and it best described his character.

Throughout the years, Cena faced many opponents in the ring and has been involved in some devastating submission holds. However, the Cenation leader hadn’t tapped out in nearly 20 years. He has also competed in and won several I Quit matches. However, all this changed in Cena’s final WWE match when he faced Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025. The Ring General locked the 17-time World Champion in a sleeper hold. But in a shocking turn of events, Cena looked into the camera, smiled, and tapped out. Many fans didn’t agree with the decision to have Cena tap out, and they booed the outcome of the match. This also got a lot of heat on Gunther.

John Cena told Triple H that he wanted to tap out to Gunther

During the latest season of WWE Unreal, which also covers John Cena’s WWE retirement tour, Cena explained that he found out Gunther would be his final opponent before he faced Brock Lesnar. The Cenation leader recalled telling Triple H that he wanted to tap out as soon as he found out that Gunther was his final opponent. This decision surprised Triple H, but Cena thought it would be a beautiful way for him to retire.

“I knew Gunther was my last opponent before I knew I was wrestling Brock. Immediately, the Hunter was like, ‘I’m thinking Gunther.’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I get to tap out.’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, I mean, you would do that?’ This is beautiful. The never give up guy gives up.”

After his retirement, John Cena has made two appearances on WWE TV. He even announced a special John Cena Classic event earlier this year.

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Also read: Triple H Canceled John Cena’s Original WWE Retirement Tour Plan: “This Is Heat On The Company”

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