Gunther: Retiring John Cena Felt More Intense Than WrestleMania | Wrestling News
The wrestling world continues to grapple with the finality of John Cena’s in-ring career, a career officially brought to a close by GUNTHER on , at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. While GUNTHER has since added AJ Styles to his list of veteran opponents retired, including Goldberg, the German wrestler revealed a surprising sentiment: the match with Cena felt more intense than any WrestleMania main event he’s yet to experience.
Speaking on the “What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes” podcast, GUNTHER described the atmosphere backstage prior to facing Cena as uniquely charged. “It almost felt more intense than WrestleMania that day – like, backstage,” he stated. This admission is particularly noteworthy given the prestige and scale typically associated with WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event.
Still, GUNTHER was quick to clarify that his heightened sense of intensity wasn’t rooted in nostalgia or reverence for Cena’s legacy. He openly admitted to not growing up as a devoted fan of WWE, preferring different styles of professional wrestling. Despite this, he emphasized his respect for the significance of major WWE moments and his commitment to fully engaging with them when they arise.
“It was great to be the guy that can – yeah, pull the rug out from everybody,” GUNTHER said, reflecting on the role he played in concluding Cena’s storied career. He described a limited prior interaction with Cena, stating, “Until the day of the match, I maybe said hello to him twice; that was all the interaction we ever had.” Despite the lack of a personal relationship, GUNTHER recognized the magnitude of the occasion. “It was the biggest thing I’ve done in my career. Like, the first time I was ever part of something with that magnitude.”
Interestingly, the weight of such a momentous occasion doesn’t appear to faze GUNTHER. Instead, he embraces the pressure and responsibility that approach with it. “In life, I get bored by mundane stuff very quick,” he explained. “I get bored quickly, so I love those situations with a lot of responsibility.” This perspective offers insight into GUNTHER’s mindset and his ability to thrive under high-stakes circumstances.
GUNTHER’s victory over Cena marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his position as a dominant force within WWE. While he hasn’t yet headlined WrestleMania, the experience of retiring a legend like Cena has clearly had a profound impact. The fact that he views this moment as surpassing the potential intensity of a WrestleMania main event speaks volumes about the unique pressures and emotions involved in bringing an finish to an era.
The implications of Cena’s retirement extend beyond the immediate storyline. It signals a shift in WWE’s landscape, paving the way for a new generation of stars to ascend. GUNTHER’s role in this transition is undeniable, and his continued success will be crucial in shaping the future of the company. His subsequent retirement of AJ Styles further cements his position as a formidable opponent capable of ending the careers of established veterans.
Looking ahead, GUNTHER’s trajectory remains a key storyline to watch. His ability to handle high-pressure situations, coupled with his unique wrestling style, makes him a compelling figure in the WWE universe. Whether he eventually reaches the pinnacle of WrestleMania remains to be seen, but his recent accomplishments demonstrate that he is more than capable of delivering unforgettable moments on the biggest stage.
The wrestling world will undoubtedly continue to analyze and debate the significance of Cena’s retirement and GUNTHER’s role in it. However, one thing is clear: the December 13th showdown at Saturday Night’s Main Event was a pivotal moment, not only for the individuals involved but for the future of WWE as a whole. GUNTHER’s perspective on the event, as revealed in his interview with Cody Rhodes, provides a valuable glimpse into the mindset of a rising star who is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.