• John Cena’s Father Not Happy With Son’s Retirement Match
On this Friday’s SmackDown, Gunther and LA Knight will collide in the Final of “The Last Time Is Now” tournament. The winner will go on to face John Cena on Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th, which will be the 17-time World Champion’s final match.
A few months back, it was reported that Gunther will be the one to retire Cena.
According to TC of WrestleVotes, some WWE officials “don’t love” the fact that Gunther will be Cena’s retirement match opponent, but they understand why the decision was made.
John Cena Sr. isn’t a fan of this booking either. Here’s what Cena Sr. said about the booking of his son’s retirement bout on the All Axxess Podcast:
“I don’t think that’s a wise move. I don’t think the fans would enjoy that move. Gunther does not need the rub. I’m not a fan of the whole ‘on the way out you’ve got to push somebody over the top’ idea. You’re supposed to pass the torch, but I don’t know if that’s written anywhere in professional wrestling.
If we have to use that as an analogy, then he’s already done that with Cody Rhodes. He beat him for the title. He gave the title back. They embraced, Cody was teary-eyed. The torch was passed.
I think he’s given the rub along the way, especially with Dominik Mysterio. That was a tremendous deal.”
Gunther also retired WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg earlier this year.
• WWE Legend Is Getting Ready For A Full-Time Run In AEW
Paul Wight (aka The Big Show) is actively working toward a full-time return to the ring in All Elite Wrestling, driven by a desire to compete and contribute to the company’s growth, rather than settle for a limited, part-time role.
The WWE Legend revealed his ambition during a conversation on Notsam Wrestling, emphasizing that despite a string of physical setbacks, he has no intention of simply fading out of the industry.
Over the last several years, Wight has battled numerous injuries, including undergoing back surgery just a few months ago, following a recurring annual need for major procedures on his hips and knees.
Comparing himself to an aging “old pickup truck,” Wight acknowledged the physical toll his long career has exacted but stressed that he is currently focused on overcoming soft tissue issues and regaining the explosiveness required to compete at a high level.
Wight made it clear that his motivation is not rooted in nostalgia or charity. He stated that he would only step back into the ring if he could “hump and bump and get after everything and slap people’s souls out of their chest,” asserting that he refuses to be a sympathy case for the audience. The former World Heavyweight Champion is actively rehabilitating with the full support of AEW President Tony Khan, whom he praised as “extremely supportive.”
The promise of a more competitive schedule in AEW is a significant driving factor for Wight, who admitted he is “salivating” over the potential for increased fan interaction, fresh matchups with AEW’s deep roster, and the subsequent financial gains that come with a more regular wrestling schedule.
Paul Wight recently made his return to AEW programming at the Full Gear Tailgate Brawl show.
