Gunther, set to face John Cena in his final match, expressed a mix of admiration and determination this week. The showdown is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
In an interview, Gunther acknowledged Cena's legacy, stating, “It’s undeniable that he’s the greatest of all time.” However, he also made a bold promise: to make Cena tap out for the first time in his illustrious career.
“It means everything to me to have the opportunity to spoil John Cena’s last match,” Gunther remarked, emphasizing the weight of the moment.
At 38 years old, Gunther has quickly made a name for himself since joining WWE in 2022, holding the title of two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion. In contrast, Cena boasts an impressive 17 world championships and has been a staple in professional wrestling for over two decades.
Gunther earned his position as Cena’s final opponent by triumphing in the Last Time Is Now tournament, a special event organized by WWE to determine who would face the wrestling legend.
As anticipation builds for this significant matchup, fans and fellow wrestlers have taken to social media to honor Cena's contributions to the sport. WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle shared a nostalgic photo of himself with Cena, reflecting on their shared history.
“Who in the hell are you? I’m John Cena,” Angle wrote on X, celebrating Cena's remarkable journey. He praised Cena's impact both inside and outside the ring, stating, “His dedication, resilience, and passion have inspired countless fans and peers alike.”
Angle extended his best wishes as Cena approaches retirement, saying, “Enjoy your last ride, John… a legend forever. Welcome to retirement, my friend.”
Cena's career began with a match against Angle in 2002, marking the start of his ascent to becoming one of WWE's most iconic figures. Although Angle won that initial bout, it was a testament to the competitive spirit that often characterizes the wrestling world.
Traditionally, wrestlers may lose their final match or engage in fiercely competitive bouts to symbolize passing the torch to emerging talent. Gunther reflected on this dynamic, stating, “Obviously it’s a big deal and I am proud to be in that situation.”
He noted his unique journey to WWE, representing a new wave of wrestlers. “It really is a passing of the torch match because it’s two different styles and two completely different generations,” he added. “It makes me proud to be the guy that got picked for that.”
