WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley firmly defended the decision to have John Cena tap out in his retirement match, arguing on his podcast that the controversial finish was ultimately the right move for business, even if fans were uncomfortable with it in the moment.
Addressing the backlash, D-Von made it clear he never viewed the ending as a mistake. “A lot of people might not agree with me or agree with what the WWE did, but I think it was right for the business.”
He acknowledged that fans wanted to see Cena go out on a win, but stressed that emotional attachment doesn’t always align with long-term storytelling or company needs.
D-Von also pushed back against rumors that Cena was somehow forced into the finish, emphasizing that Cena had complete control over his final match. “Cena, at this particular point in his career, The G.O.A.T, The Man, he could pretty much do and say whatever he wants. If John didn’t agree with what was going on, John wouldn’t have done it.” He added that Cena could have walked away entirely if he truly objected, but instead chose to do what he felt benefited the company. “John does what’s best for the business.”
From D-Von’s perspective, the biggest justification for the finish was how it elevated Gunther. He argued that having Cena – the man synonymous with “Never Give Up” – submit accomplished something no other wrestler had ever done. “When you look at what happened at the end, it made Gunther. It really did,” D-Von said. “No one ever seen John do that.”
In his view, the shock of the moment instantly gave Gunther a career-defining claim that fans will remember for years.
D-Von further pointed to the reaction after the match as proof that the booking worked. He cited the intense hatred directed at Gunther as exactly what WWE should want from a top heel. “Right after the match was over… people were waiting outside and basically he had to be escorted to his car. That’s real heat right there. That’s what you’re looking for.”
He also addressed the contradiction between Cena tapping out and the “Never Give Up” mantra that defined his career, admitting he understood why fans were upset. Still, D-Von argued that the symbolism mattered more than strict consistency. Comparing the moment to Obi-Wan Kenobi sacrificing himself in Star Wars, he framed Cena’s loss as a deliberate passing of the torch rather than humiliation.
“It told the story. Gunther made him tap out… now Gunther goes on saying, ‘I’m the one that made John Cena tap out.’”
D-Von also stressed that Cena’s retirement meant WWE had to prioritize the future, not nostalgia. “Who’s going to be back on Monday Night RAW? Gunther or Cena? Gunther. It wasn’t going to be Cena. Cena’s done. It’s over with.”
While acknowledging that the finish could have been executed differently, D-Von returned to the idea that controversy is often a sign of effective wrestling storytelling. “Everybody’s talking about it. That’s exactly what they wanted.”
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