The wrestling world is counting down to John Cena<\/a>\u2019s final matches, but the road to his retirement has been far from smooth.<\/p>\n What was supposed to be a grand farewell for one of WWE\u2019s biggest stars has instead been met with uneven storytelling, a divisive heel turn, and what Cena\u2019s own father has described as a ruined send-off.<\/p>\n According to Sports Illustrated<\/em><\/a>, the story began earlier this year at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025. In one of the most shocking moments of the past decade, Cena turned heel, aligning himself with The Rock.<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n The surprise created immediate buzz, but the momentum quickly faded. Speaking with Sportskeeda UnSKripted<\/em>, John Cena Sr. admitted the follow-up never lived up to its promise.<\/p>\n \u201cTurning John Cena heel was a great idea; the shock factor was great, but I think the storyline was destroyed,\u201d Cena Sr. said. \u201cThat was a very poor move, in my opinion, because it was a big gamble for everyone that was involved. And to see how it started and then to see the characters who were involved no longer be present, well, the heel turn almost became non-essential.\u201d<\/p>\n Cena Sr. also didn\u2019t hold back on his opinion of his son\u2019s high-profile match against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a bout that lasted less than ten minutes, Lesnar dominated Cena in what some critics have called a squash. The outcome not only shocked fans but left Cena Sr. baffled.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t understand the way it went down,\u201d he said, noting that the highlight of the show for him wasn\u2019t even his son\u2019s match but Stephanie Vaquer defeating Iyo Sky for the Women\u2019s World Championship.<\/p>\n The response from fans and media has been just as critical. Wrestling writers have described the heel run as inconsistent and disjointed, with no clear long-term vision. The abrupt absence of The Rock from the storyline only amplified the sense that WWE prioritized a viral moment over meaningful development. Cena\u2019s quick shift back to a babyface role, without explanation, left the arc feeling incomplete.<\/p>\n At Wrestlepalooza, Lesnar\u2019s victory raised even more questions. Industry reporter Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer<\/em><\/a> stated, \u201cAs of this weekend, I\u2019m told that this is it. There isn\u2019t going to be another Brock Lesnar\/John Cena match. That was their last match. And Brock is not his final opponent.\u201d<\/p>\n For many fans, the decision to have Cena lose so decisively\u2014without a chance for redemption\u2014undercut what could have been a climactic rivalry.<\/p>\n While there have been bright spots in this farewell run\u2014like Cena\u2019s Street Fight with Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam and his U.S. Title challenge against Sami Zayn on SmackDown<\/em>\u2014they haven\u2019t erased the larger frustrations with WWE\u2019s booking. Some, such as FanSided<\/em><\/a>, point to AEW\u2019s handling of Sting\u2019s retirement as a contrast, saying Cena deserved the same careful planning and consistency.<\/p>\n Despite the setbacks, Cena\u2019s retirement schedule is moving forward. His final match in the squared circle is confirmed for Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event<\/em> in Washington, D.C. on December 13.<\/p>\n Before then, fans will see him square off against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, a long-awaited matchup announced at the start of the tour.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also buzz around a possible bout with Dominik Mysterio, who currently holds both the Intercontinental and AAA Mega Championships. WWE has discussed the idea internally, but no official confirmation has been made.<\/p>\n <\/a> Booker T Says WWE Holding Wrestlemania 43 in Saudi Arabia is Bad for the Industry<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> WWE Star Roman Reigns’ Paris Clash Injuries Are Kayfabe Cover for ‘Street Fighter’ Filming<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Nikki Bella Calls Out WWE for Making Her Look ‘Terrible\u2019 in New Video Game<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Cam\u2019ron Wildly Compares Zion Williamson\u2019s Weight Loss to a Crackhead Getting Clean<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n NFL Legend Lawrence Taylor Recalls Trading Lines With Samuel L. Jackson<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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