Tonight will be John Cena’s farewell appearance in the famed Madison Square Garden.
Cena joined ESPN’s First Take to talk about his big night and big farewell. Before that though, he praised the WWE and its talent.
“The State of the Union is fantastic. We are finally in the ESPN family. Never before did I think I would be welcomed into the ESPN family….There has never been a better time to be in the WWE and that is because of its relationship in the lens and its roster on the field. I think we have the most gifted, the biggest batch of gifted personnel in the ring. They are doing things now that I couldn’t possibly think of which is why it is time for me to walk away,” he said.
Cena then looked at where he is now.
“I still have a little bit left in the tank…I am 48. I still look good. I still have my health but man, I have been in it for 23 years operating at a very high capacity and a very high level. I really want to pave the way for the future. I would rather go now and leave the audience with memories like: ‘He always gave his all” than risk doing bad work…I want to be invisible for a few more times. It has been a great year and I am very happy to pass the torch to an extremely class of men and women.”
Cena fueled more speculation about who his final opponent will be.
“Everyone is like, ‘Who does John Cena want to face?’. The way I got my start in WWE was through random opportunity. I got my first match because The Undertaker was sick so I love the theory of opportunity. I believe in the meritocracy of the WWE so I don’t want to face anyone, I don’t want to handpick anyone. I want people to have to get a chance to showcase their skills and earn the right for opportunity. So we’re doing this with the tournament, where it’s a bunch of the top superstars and some random entrants, even some against-all-odds opponents have a chance to see if they can make it to get a chance to see if they can retire John Cena, which is a really special thing,” he said.
Cena’s final match is scheduled for December 13th on Saturday Night’s Main Event. His opponent is being selected by The Last Time Is Now Tournament.
On Raw tonight you will see:
- John Cena’s final appearance on Raw
- Becky Lynch defends Women’s Intercontinental Title against Maxxine Dupri
- Solo Sikoa battles a mystery opponent in Last Time is Now Tournament
- Gunther Vs Je’Von Evans battle in Last Time is Now Tournament
