John Cena: Gunther’s Story Is Not Done

Gunther turned himself into the “Career Killer” over the last year, retiring Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles in the span of six months.

Forcing Cena to tap out in his last match was viewed as one of the biggest moments in wrestling, but fans haven’t been fully impressed with the follow-up.

Speaking to Graham GSM Matthews of WrestleRant, Cena was asked if he’s kept up with how Gunther has done in 2026.

“I’m always watching everybody. Opportunity is a way to get you another opportunity. A common thread I find with a lot of talent is that they get to a point of frustration. Everyone in the locker room, at one point, gets to a point of frustration. I have to be honest with you, over my 23 years, I might have had two or three moments of fleeting frustration. They were the blink of an eye. I always loved what I did. For me to tell the story of main eventing back-to-back WrestleManias against The Rock, the two most successful events at that time in company history. The next time I main evented WrestleMania was my last one in 2025. It took me 13 years to get back to the main event. You didn’t see me complain.

“I know there are a lot of reports that everybody talks about backstage drama. There was never a ‘John Cena frustrated with management,’ because it’s not true. It’s not believable. I know there are frustrations in all talents. ‘I just did this spectacular thing. I need a new spectacular thing.’ No, the spectacular thing is a conduit for you to stand on your own two feet. For Gunther, his story is not done. He’s in that position right now where he’s making moves based on the equity of Gunther. Sometimes you don’t get an equal part or a 25-year veteran that you retire. Sometimes you have to lift younger talent or hold the show yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I went out there as a part-timer, did a 15-minute monologue, and that was it. That’s a tough spot to go out there for 15 minutes with no action, but I did it because I viewed it as a challenge. I hear from people that there is an overwhelming wave of frustration. That is natural, but as long as you get to go out and perform, you have a chance. That’s the most important thing. I hope each performer reaches their potential.”

Elsewhere during the interview, Cena reflected on his retirement tour and addressed criticisms of his heel turn. You can find his full comments here.

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