John Cena’s retirement tour has concluded, but the fallout from WWE’s handling of this iconic moment has left fans furious and disappointed. Numerous blunders, from poor booking decisions to missed opportunities, have marred what should have been a triumphant farewell for one of wrestling’s greatest legends.
WWE’s failure to bring back Cena’s beloved spinner title was a glaring oversight. Fans anticipated a nostalgic return to the design that defined his early career, especially after Cena’s monumental victory at WrestleMania 41. Instead, WWE chose to overlook this opportunity, ultimately disappointing a generation of fans who cherished that title.
The finishes of Cena’s final matches were equally lackluster. Despite competing against legendary rivals like CM Punk and Randy Orton, the endings felt unsatisfying. Interference and convoluted storylines left fans frustrated, yearning for the closure that these iconic rivalries deserved.
Cena’s heel turn aimed to “ruin pro wrestling,” a concept with potential that fell flat. The motivation behind this shift felt weak and forced, as Cena had not been booed in years. The disconnect between his character and the audience diminished the impact of his performances, leaving fans bewildered rather than entertained.
Fans also expected a significant change in Cena’s presentation with his heel turn. Instead, WWE opted for minimal alterations, sticking with his original theme song and attire. This lack of creativity signaled a broader trend of complacency within WWE, further alienating fans who sought a memorable farewell.
The involvement of celebrity Travis Scott added another layer of controversy. His botched performance led to injuries and overshadowed Cena’s final moments. By presenting Scott as a key player in Cena’s storyline, WWE risked undermining the credibility of its own roster, leaving fans questioning the decision-making behind these bookings.
Perhaps the most egregious error was choosing to have Cena retire at a Saturday Night’s Main Event rather than a major Pay-Per-View like WrestleMania. This decision trivialized Cena’s legacy, making it seem as if he was just another midcard talent rather than a wrestling icon deserving of a grand farewell.
Poor planning plagued Cena’s retirement tour, with WWE failing to capitalize on Cena’s willingness to work more dates. Significant matches received little promotion, leaving fans feeling cheated out of a proper send-off for their hero. This lack of foresight ultimately diminished the significance of Cena’s final matches.
The abrupt pivot back to Cena’s babyface persona was poorly executed. Fans had been clamoring for a return to form, but the transition felt rushed and unearned. This left many questioning the integrity of the storyline and Cena’s character development throughout his retirement tour.
Finally, Cena’s decision to tap out in his last match against Gunther was met with widespread backlash. While it was intended to symbolize passing the torch, fans rejected this conclusion, preferring a more heroic exit. The moment was overshadowed by jeers directed at Triple H, highlighting the disconnect between WWE’s vision and fan expectations.
In summary, WWE’s handling of John Cena’s retirement tour has sparked outrage among fans. With numerous missteps and missed opportunities, many feel that the farewell of one of wrestling’s greatest legends was mishandled, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those who grew up watching him.
