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John Cena Defends Tap-Out Farewell, Confirms Move to WWE Ambassador Role

He cast the divisive finish as a deliberate closing image that reflected his career-long split reception.

Overview

  • Speaking at Fan Expo New Orleans, Cena thanked fans for voicing both praise and criticism of his final match.
  • He reiterated that his in-ring career is over and said he will not compete again under his new ambassadorial agreement with WWE.
  • Cena explained that his smile as he faded in the hold was intentional, meant to suggest a peaceful exit after giving everything.
  • The December 13 send-off ended with Cena submitting to Gunther’s sleeper at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., a result many fans felt clashed with his "Never Give Up" motto.
  • He framed the polarized reaction as “perfect” for a 23-year run defined by equally loud detractors and supporters.