John Cena Sr. Unhappy With Shocking Finish to Son’s Final WWE Match

As John Cena faced defeat via submission in his 726th and final televised match, his father was not impressed one bit by the finish.

John Cena Sr. Unhappy With Shocking Finish to Son’s Final WWE Match

John Cena with his father (via WWE)

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After more than two decades inside the squared circle, John Cena’s legendary in-ring career came to an end Saturday night at Capital One Arena, where he competed in the 726th and final televised match of his storied run against Gunther. 

Cena’s long-anticipated farewell headlined the final Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025, delivering a brutal and emotional conclusion befitting one of the most iconic careers in wrestling history. His swan song ended in defeat, as he tapped out to the Austrian powerhouse following a violent, nearly 24-minute war that kept the crowd fully invested from bell to bell. 

The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with fans desperately willing Cena toward one last miracle victory, one that would have defied both history and sentiment. The closing moments of the bout carried a philosophical tone, as Cena appeared to accept his fate after escaping the Austrian’s sleeper hold five times before finally succumbing. 

However, the creative decision quickly sparked backlash from fans who felt the ending contradicted the very mantra Cena had preached throughout his career: “Never Give Up.” It appears John Cena Sr. shares that sentiment. 

Speaking with Bill Apter, Cena’s father expressed disappointment with the finish and wished WWE had chosen a different way to honor his son’s legacy in his final match.

The only thing I can say is that I saw a lot of people cry. Do I believe that’s the way it should have ended? I would have done it differently. I think it might have been better for everyone if it had ended differently.

John Cena Sr. via Bill Apter’s YouTube channel

The outcome was foreshadowed days earlier when Gunther defeated LA Knight in the finals of The Last Time Is Now tournament. Looking directly into the SmackDown cameras, the Austrian promised Cena that he would force him to tap out, and he made good on that promise.

Cena Sr. acknowledged that his son losing in his final match was always a possibility, noting it as a long-standing tradition within the industry.

The unwritten rule is that when you’re going out, you’re going down. So I guess all I can say is they did what they had to do—what was best for business.

John Cena Sr. via Bill Apter’s YouTube channel

Still, Cena’s father admitted he never expected his son to submit voluntarily. He would have preferred to see Cena pass out in the sleeper hold rather than tap, staying true to the resilience that defined his career.

Despite the debate surrounding the finish, Cena’s final match was a deeply emotional affair. The WWE locker room emptied to honor him one last time, with legends and peers, including Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Rob Van Dam, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk, paying tribute inside the ring.

While opinions on the ending may remain divided, one truth is undeniable: John Cena closes the curtain on his career as an all-time great, leaving behind a legacy defined by perseverance, influence, and an unmatched list of accolades.

Linda McMahon attended John Cena’s farewell bout while Vince McMahon remained absent

As previously noted, WWE spared no expense in preparing for John Cena’s final outing inside the squared circle. While the 17-time world champion himself reportedly pushed for young and emerging NXT talent to be featured on the show, the company went above and beyond in paying tribute to one of the greatest superstars of all time.

John Cena, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon
John Cena, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon (via WWE)

Hall of Famers and legends such as Triple H, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Mark Henry, Rob Van Dam, and several others were present for the historic occasion. However, questions quickly arose regarding the absence of the McMahon family, specifically those who played a pivotal role in giving Cena his first opportunity in WWE back in 2002.

Fightful Select provided further insight into who was in attendance at Saturday Night’s Main Event to witness Cena’s final match. With the event taking place in the nation’s capital, there was speculation that President Donald Trump might attend. 

However, neither Trump nor former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was present. One notable political figure who did attend was United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

As previously reported, while McMahon was not in the building, he did appear in a video package that aired following Cena’s final match. Additionally, PWInsider reported that McMahon’s estranged wife, Linda McMahon, was in attendance. 

For the unversed, she currently serves in President Trump’s administration as the United States Secretary of Education. PWInsider also noted that Vince and Linda McMahon’s son, Shane McMahon, was not present at the event. 

Meanwhile, Triple H’s wife and former WWE President, Stephanie McMahon, was in attendance and played an active role in the broadcast coverage. She also appeared on-screen after Cena’s match when the entire locker room emptied to pay tribute to him.

Stephanie McMahon has already been announced as an inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, scheduled for WrestleMania season next year. Furthermore, there is growing speculation that John Cena himself will headline the 2026 Hall of Fame class now that his in-ring career has officially come to an end.

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