WWE’s Approach to John Cena’s Farewell Sparks Debate Among Industry Insiders
The legacy of John Cena, one of WWE’s most decorated superstars, is undeniable. Yet as his retirement tour unfolds, a surprising voice has emerged questioning whether WWE has done enough to honor the icon’s final run. David Otunga, a former WWE Tag Team Champion and member of the infamous Nexus faction, recently expressed his disappointment with how WWE has handled Cena’s retirement—arguing the company missed a monumental opportunity to celebrate one of its greatest ever.
Otunga’s Perspective: “This Should Be Bigger Than WrestleMania”
In a candid interview, Otunga did not mince words when asked about Cena’s ongoing retirement storyline. He argued that WWE’s current approach feels lackluster compared to the gravity of Cena’s contributions to sports entertainment. According to Otunga, “John’s farewell should be bigger than WrestleMania—it’s the end of an era. I expected festivals, legends returning, and a year-long build. Instead, it feels rushed, like just another storyline.”
Industry sources echo Otunga’s sentiment. “The backstage feeling is that WWE had a chance to create a once-in-a-generation moment, but the execution hasn’t matched the hype,” said one WWE insider who requested anonymity. “Fans wanted a celebration worthy of Cena’s legacy, not just a series of matches and highlight packages.”
Comparing Cena’s Retirement to WWE Legends of the Past
WWE has a storied history of lavish retirement tours for its top stars. Ric Flair’s emotional send-off in 2008 included tributes from legends and a memorable WrestleMania showdown. The Undertaker’s farewell spanned years of cryptic appearances and theatrical final matches. In contrast, Cena’s retirement has so far lacked the grandeur and storytelling depth fans expected.
Otunga highlighted the contrast: “Look at what they did for Flair and Taker. Those were productions—global events! Cena’s getting video montages and a couple of interviews. Where’s the pageantry? Where are the surprises?”
The Nexus Saga: Cena’s Influence and WWE’s Booking Decisions
Otunga’s critique of WWE’s storytelling is rooted in his own history with Cena. As a key member of The Nexus, Otunga experienced firsthand the impact of WWE’s booking on up-and-coming talent. The infamous SummerSlam 2010 match, where Cena single-handedly overcame the Nexus, remains a sore point for many involved.
Reflecting on that moment, Otunga stated, “We spent months building Nexus as the hottest thing in WWE. Then, in one night, our momentum was gone because Cena had to go over. Even now, I feel WWE missed a chance to build new stars alongside Cena’s legacy.”[1][2]
This sentiment is shared by other Nexus alumni, who believe WWE’s tendency to prioritize established stars over new talent has long-term effects on the product’s freshness and fan engagement.
Missed Opportunities: Legends, Storyline Depth, and Fan Connection
Otunga believes WWE could have elevated Cena’s retirement tour through several creative avenues:
- Bringing back classic rivals for one last showdown, such as Edge, Randy Orton, or CM Punk.
- Special appearances by legends who influenced Cena’s career, including Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.
- Unique stipulation matches that evoke Cena’s greatest moments.
- Interactive events—fan festivals, meet-and-greets, and retrospective documentaries.
Instead, the current approach has leaned heavily on nostalgia video packages and sporadic appearances, which Otunga feels lack emotional resonance. “Fans want to feel like they’re part of Cena’s journey, not just watching it from afar,” he said.
Backstage Reactions: Frustration and Hope for Change
Sources close to the locker room reveal there’s more than just fan disappointment at play. “A lot of talent backstage hoped Cena’s retirement would be a template for how WWE treats legends moving forward,” a WWE insider shared. “Instead, there’s frustration that the company is missing a chance to unite generations of fans.”
Some believe that WWE is purposely keeping plans flexible, hoping to surprise fans with a major twist or climactic event. “There’s talk about a possible huge send-off at WrestleMania, but as of now, it feels underwhelming,” the insider added.
Cena’s Own Thoughts: A Humble Approach?
Interestingly, Cena himself appears to be taking the modest approach in stride. In recent interviews, he’s acknowledged his gratitude for his WWE journey and insisted he doesn’t want to overshadow the current generation. But Otunga argues that this humility shouldn’t stop the company from celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime superstar.
“John is the ultimate team player, but that’s exactly why WWE should go all out,” Otunga insisted. “He’s given everything to this business. This is their chance to show the world what he means to wrestling.”
Fan Response: Social Media Outcry and Calls for More
The WWE Universe has not been silent. Social media platforms are filled with calls for a more dramatic and heartfelt farewell for Cena. Hashtags like #ThankYouCena and #CenaRetirement have trended during key moments, with fans sharing memories and demanding a bigger celebration.
Some have even suggested fantasy booking scenarios, including:
- A surprise WrestleMania main event with a historic stipulation.
- A Hall of Fame induction timed with his final match.
- Dream matches with current stars like Cody Rhodes, Gunther, or Dominik Mysterio.
Looking Forward: Will WWE Course-Correct?
With Cena’s retirement still unfolding, there remains hope that WWE will heed the call for a grander celebration. Otunga’s passionate remarks have sparked renewed debate among fans, wrestlers, and industry insiders alike.
“John Cena’s story is still being written,” Otunga concluded. “I just hope WWE realizes what they have before it’s too late. You don’t get legends like him every day.”
As speculation grows about possible surprises in the coming months, all eyes will be on WWE to see whether they can transform Cena’s farewell into the epic, unforgettable moment that his legacy deserves.
“There’s a sense backstage that WWE underestimated what Cena’s retirement could mean—not just to fans, but to the entire industry,” said a source close to the creative team. “If they don’t go big soon, they risk missing out on something truly historic.”
With emotions running high and the wrestling world watching, the final chapter of John Cena’s WWE journey remains unwritten—and the demand for a fitting send-off grows louder by the day.