John Cena Reveals True Feelings on Controversial WWE Ending in New Post
John Cena has made his feelings clear on his controversial final WWE match with a cryptic post on Instagram.
The 17-time world champion and one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time took part in his retirement match on Saturday night.
He faced former world heavyweight champion Gunther (Walter Hahn) and suffered defeat, bringing his career to a disappointing end.
Cena has long lived by the slogan 'never give up', but ended his career by tapping out - his first submission loss in 20 years.
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The defeat sparked outrage on social media, with fans directing their frustration at Paul "Triple H" Levesque over the ending to Cena's career.
For Gunther, being able to end Cena's career by forcing the wrestling legend to tap out should raise his profile within the sport.
That could prove crucial for WWE as it looks to bring in the next generation of performers.
Cena has added fuel to that theory with his latest Instagram post.
He uploaded a photo from Star Wars, showing Obi Wan Kenobi smiling moments before sacrificing himself to Darth Vader.
The image, which he posted without a caption, suggests Cena views his defeat as a necessary moment in helping WWE move on from him following his retirement.
Despite the legendary wrestler appearing to be at peace with the result, WWE as a promotion have reportedly been "blindsided" by the negative reaction to Cena losing his farewell match.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, they said: "There are many people in WWE who did not agree with that decision [John Cena losing], but the guy in charge did it.
"The one thing that I can say is that even though they may say something different publicly, they were blindsided by that reaction.
"The idea that we did it, we knew it was going to get heat, it's just the price we pay."
They added that there was "no discussion of a reaction."
Although the bout was framed as Cena's retirement match, it will not be the last time he works with WWE, having already signed a five-year deal as a brand ambassador.
However, it will be the final time he competes as a professional wrestler.
He said: “It’s not my time to perform anymore.
“I have a bunch of strengths and gifts that I can pass on. I’m looking forward to the second mountain of being an ambassador.”
It was still an emotional night at the Saturday Night Main Event, with WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes left teary after the match.
He said he did not want Cena's career to come to an end after the American had "set such a high standard" in professional wrestling.
James Taylor