WWE Locker Room’s Reaction to John Cena’s Retirement Match Revealed

John Cena’s final WWE match may have ended in controversy—but according to Mark Henry, the emotional scenes backstage were something nobody expected.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Henry revealed what really went down behind the curtain after Cena tapped out to GUNTHER in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event. And in his words, it was a moment that hit the entire locker room hard.

“I walked through the back — and there was a line of about thirty or forty people trying to get to John, hugging him and consoling him. We gave a salute,” Henry said. “I mean, people were emotional. It’s been a while since — the last time I saw people crying like that was when somebody passed away.”

Henry revealed it was the WWE family saying goodbye to one of its greatest names. Superstars were visibly shaken—hugging, crying, and expressing their love to a man who has carried the company for two decades. Still, the World’s Strongest Man made it clear: Cena’s not gone for good.

“John is still alive and well — he’s going to Hollywood. You’re going to keep hearing him every day — he’s not going away. He’s just going away from the ring.”

Henry also talked about the really hostile crowd reaction inside Capital One Arena—specifically the hatred directed at GUNTHER, who forced Cena to tap out in the final moments.

“All I know is this, Dave, they better get the dump button ready for every show because they said ‘f*** you, GUNTHER’ throughout the whole match.”

Fans didn’t hold back—chanting “bulls**t” and showering GUNTHER with deafening boos. But backstage? It was all love for Cena, who went out doing what he always has—giving back to the business.

Triple H also said the same thing during the post-show, saying Cena did what every true pro does on their way out: put someone else over.

“If you want to talk behind the scenes, he will put over somebody on the way out. He will leave this better than he found it. That’s what John does and has always done.”

Cena’s retirement might’ve led to backlash from fans, but based on what happened backstage, it was a moment of deep respect—and real emotion—for one of WWE’s biggest icons.

What did you think of John Cena’s sendoff? Was tapping out the right way to go, or should WWE have booked it differently? Sound off in the comments below.

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