John Cena References Controversial Final WWE Match Loss

John Cena has made an interesting reference following his WWE retirement, seemingly addressing his loss in his final match.

John Cena wrestled for the last time at the December 13 Saturday Night’s Main Event special, losing to GUNTHER in singles action.

It was the manner in which John Cena lost which has had fans divided, with the 17-time world champion smiling before submitting to GUNTHER’s sleeper hold, tapping out for the first time in decades.

While some fans argued that John Cena shouldn’t have “given up” in his final match, others have interpreted Cena’s actions of him choosing to let go, at the end of his career.

John Cena appears to have addressed this discourse, sharing an image of a movie moment which many have referenced in defence of the retiring star tapping out.

Cena took to Instagram to share a photo of Obi-Wan Kenobi smiling in the movie Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope, moments before – spoiler alert – sacrificing himself to Darth Vader.

Kenobi’s sacrifice allows Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo to escape the Death Star (well yes, but actually no), and allows Kenobi to become more powerful than Vader could possibly imagine – a force ghost.

Cena sharing this photo seems to give a nod to fans theorising that John Cena’s tap-out was a sacrifice for the stars of the future, including GUNTHER , who now having bragging rights, and the star who eventually takes down the Ring General for the ultimate victory.

As always, John Cena shared this Instagram post without a caption, “for your interpretation.”

The latest John Cena WWE updates and news stories can be found right here.

John Cena's latest post following his WWE retirement:

Obi Wan Kenobi smiling before sacrificing himself to Darth Vader in Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope pic.twitter.com/KyLwMuTd2z

— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) December 16, 2025