Why John Cena Smiled While Tapping Out to GUNTHER in Final WWE Match

John Cena may have shocked the WWE Universe by tapping out to GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but it was the smile on his face during that emotional ending that had everyone asking questions. Now, Cena is opening up about that powerful moment.

Speaking on What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes, Cena described the final moments of the match not as a defeat, but as a farewell — one that felt more like life’s final chapter than just a wrestling finish.

“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 said the smile came from a place of peace. He’d spent the entire day reconnecting with everyone who mattered to him backstage, and as he lay in the sleeper hold, he knew the moment had come.

“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.”

He compared it to the feeling of someone passing away “peacefully,” and said the symbolism was intentional — he wanted to tell one last story in the ring.

“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.”

The bottom of his shirt that night said: “I gave everything. Thank you for everything.” According to Cena, that was the message — both for himself and for the fans.

“At the bottom of the shirt, it said, ‘I gave everything. Thank you for everything.’ In that one moment — that was it. Going peacefully.”

While fans were divided over Cena tapping out clean, it’s clear the man himself was fully in control of the exit. The smile wasn’t for shock — it was his way of saying goodbye. Now that he’s walked away from WWE on his own terms, one thing is clear: Cena truly did give everything.

How do you feel about John Cena’s emotional final match and his explanation? Did his goodbye resonate with you, or were you hoping for a different kind of ending? Sound off in the comments!

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