Wade Barrett, a veteran of the squared circle, confessed to being genuinely stunned by John Cena’s decision to retire. The announcement, coming after a remarkable 23-year career, reverberated throughout the wrestling world, leaving many, including Barrett, completely unprepared.
The surprise stemmed, in part, from a recent and controversial chapter in Cena’s journey – a heel turn at Elimination Chamber. Barrett, while acknowledging Cena’s right to explore that path, openly admitted he didn’t approve. He felt it strayed from the character fans had embraced for so long, and was relieved to see Cena “course correct” before his farewell.
Cena’s willingness to experiment, even if it didn’t fully land, speaks to his dedication, Barrett explained. The wrestling icon gave the heel turn everything he had, but ultimately recognized the need to deliver the send-off his devoted fanbase deserved – a return to the beloved “John Cena” they knew and cherished.
Beyond the recent storyline, Barrett expressed concern for Cena’s physical well-being during the farewell tour. Acknowledging Cena wasn’t getting any younger, he worried about the risk of injury during what was meant to be a celebratory final run. Thankfully, those fears proved unfounded, and Cena completed the tour without incident.
The final match, set for December 13th, will pit Cena against the winner of the Last Time Is Now tournament. Barrett highlighted the potential of rising stars like Oba Femi and Trick Williams to shine on this momentous occasion, envisioning them as future cornerstones of the WWE.
Barrett praised Femi’s potential to become a dominant force in the industry, and lauded Williams as a natural athlete with an undeniable charisma. He believes both young talents have the star power to captivate audiences for years to come.
The atmosphere backstage, Barrett revealed, is a complex mix of emotion. While Cena maintains his famously stoic demeanor, the locker room is acutely aware of the significance of this moment – the final chapter in a legendary career.
Cena’s impact extends far beyond championships and pay-per-views. Barrett believes he fundamentally altered the public perception of professional wrestling, transforming it from a perceived “low IQ” entertainment to a mainstream spectacle embraced by Hollywood and major media outlets.
Looking ahead, Barrett anticipates Cena will remain connected to WWE, even after stepping away from the ring. He envisions potential roles as a guest trainer, or even hosting a special on-screen segment, sharing his wisdom and experience with the next generation of superstars.
Ultimately, Barrett believes Cena’s legacy will endure, mirroring that of other wrestling icons like The Undertaker, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin – figures who continue to elevate the industry through occasional appearances and invaluable guidance. His final match isn’t an ending, but a transition to a new role within the world he helped build.
