John Cena: I Wouldn’t Change Anything About My Last Year, I Like That It Wasn’t Perfect

John Cena will wrap up his retirement year on December 13th with his final match against either Gunther or LA Knight.

Cena’s final year included 36 dates and featured him winning his 17th world championship, his first Intercontinental championship, a heel turn, matches with longtime rivals CM Punk, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton, and much more.

Speaking to Bill Simmons of The Ringer, Cena reflected on his final year.

“I asked, ‘Do you think this is a good business idea?’ They agreed, so we’re able to do it. What I love most about the year is, I think it will keep on giving moments after it’s done. I think people will continue to reflect. ‘Oh, maybe this was the story they were trying to tell.’ It’s weird to talk about it because WWE is so in the moment. Something happens on television, and it’s ‘I hate this’ or ‘this is the greatest.’ It has been a year-long story. People will digest it once the last one happens on the 13th, then I think they’ll reflect, especially when they realize I’m not coming back, and then you can dive into, ‘What were they really trying to do across a year?’ It’s never been done before. I could not give an ounce more of effort. I don’t think there is a single thing I would have changed and I like that it isn’t perfect. I like that parts changed, dates and cities changed, the last one isn’t in Boston. ‘It would be perfect if…’ No, life isn’t perfect. You just do the best you can with what you got. I personally like all that stuff. Something as simple as, in my last title defense, having Liv Morgan assist and beat me in the same way that I turned on Cody, but she did it better than me. Just being able to be like, ‘Wait, you’re going to get a callback to this moment in February in November. Just wait for it.’ Being able to pay it off that late in the game. Whether it means anything to anyone else or me, I like to know that there is not a moment we’re not thinking of and we’re doing everything we can. I’m doing everything I can. Nothing ever stands the test of time, but I’ll be very good on the 13th, knowing I gave the best I could this year. All the wisdom, tricks, physical ability, knowledge, strength, effort, seconds, time, advice. I don’t have anything left. The 13th is going to special,” he said.

Elsewhere during the interview, Cena reflected on his heel turn during his retirement tour. You can find his full commetns here.

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