For 23 years, fans have watched in awe as John Cena’s career expanded in front of our eyes. We didn’t think much of it the first time we saw him appear, answering Kurt Angle’s callout as if he were just another average wrestler. Boy, how we were proven wrong. As time has passed and Cena has gained more accolades, he has proven why he is the greatest of all time.
Back in July of last year’s edition of the premium live event Money in the Bank, Cena announced that he’d be retiring from his in-ring career, which shocked viewers, as he wasn’t expected to even appear at the event. It was a major surprise, as many thought Cena would stick around for years to come, despite his commitment to his acting career.
Thankfully, he announced that he would be wrestling for one last year, launching the “Farewell Tour.” The tour took the form of a year filled with 36 dates to give everyone one last chance to come together and share their appreciation and watch Cena have his final matches, some dream matches and some for nostalgia.
Until now, he only has one date left, December 13th which is approaching quickly.
Cena’s farewell tour has had mixed results. His long anticipated heel turn fell flat, as the involvement of The Rock and Travis Scott led to everyone scratching their heads as to why it even happened and where it was leading. It was undoubtedly unexpected to myself and many other people who grew accustomed to John Cena being the ultimate face, and the definition of what a good guy should be. Seeing Cena give Cody Rhodes a low blow was the last thing anyone thought he’d do as he had always been known for taking the high road.
As months passed, Cena returned to his good guy ways briefly, which should’ve lasted all throughout his retirement tour, but the company had different plans for his character. Although the way he might’ve returned to form may have been questionable, it was successful, as everyone was able to appreciate Cena in his true form, even cheering when his entrance finally went back to the colorful background we grew so accustomed to him coming out to. Every time the horns began to sound throughout the arena, the crowd rose to their feet as Cena came running down before sliding into the ring, welcomed by numerous cheers from the audience.
In the later years of his career, Cena has disappeared more and more due to his acting obligations, such as the show “Peacemaker,” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise, making him shift away from being a full-time wrestler. But when he would make a comeback to wrestling, fans were grateful, as he always wanted to give them something to remember, whether he won or lost.
The most important thing that Cena has done in his retirement run is helping elevate the future of the wrestling business. In the past, it was rare for Cena to lose, as the previous regime always chose for him to win instead of giving others the same exposure, but over time, he’s shown to be a much more mature performer and person. Since then, he’s taken losses against future stars and helped propel them to stardom by giving them a win over Cena. In wins and losses, he’s shown to the crowd that the future is in good hands by how much he praises the next generation of wrestlers in interviews and puts them in the spotlight for the audience during their matches against him.
Stepping away from the ring, he’s shown that he’s a much bigger person than just a performer. Cena holds the record for most wishes granted for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, having granted over 650 wishes. Whenever the WWE needs him, he’s always willing to do whatever it may be to help, as he is always at the forefront to help promote the product.
He has always been able to adapt to whatever role WWE needs him to fit, as we’ve seen him go from a rapper to a pure good guy to the guy that the fans hated purely for being the face of the company.
Fans will remember Cena for his colorful t-shirts, famous jorts, and baseball cap, which was his trademark outfit; but the most important thing to recognize is how he always came to work ready to go, no matter what.
John Cena will undoubtedly be headed into the WWE Hall of Fame. This is not a matter of if, but when. This will likely be sooner than later, possibly even next April, during Wrestlemania season. Cena has said multiple times that his goal is to leave the business in a better place than he found it, and he’s definitely done that.
With two weeks left to go until his retirement, fans prepare to thank and bid farewell to the greatest of all time with a final match that will undoubtedly be filled with emotion and nostalgic callbacks to put smiles on the faces in the crowd.
The final match will be a significant one that fans will remember for being the final bow of the longtime face of the company. It will be a chance for Cena to walk off into the sunset and put a ribbon on a historic twenty-three-year career,
As a fan, Cena’s been there in moments where I needed hope and joy, which he provided. For those few minutes that he would appear, it seemed as if the worries I had simply went away. To have watched him for so many years become the greatest of all time has been an absolute honor. So we send one final salute, for the greatest of all time.
