WWE commentator and former superstar Wade Barrett has expressed his relief that John Cena was able to 'course correct' his farewell storyline ahead of his final match next weekend. The 48-year-old icon will officially retire from in-ring competition at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13, 2025.
A Controversial Turn Corrected
Barrett, speaking exclusively to Metro, admitted he had serious concerns about Cena's shocking 'heel turn' at Elimination Chamber in March this year. The moment, which saw Cena betray Cody Rhodes, was one of the most surprising in recent WWE history.
'I didn't like it at all,' Barrett stated, blurring the lines between his on-screen persona and real opinion. 'I don't know if he took some bad advice... I think his course correct around about SummerSlam time was absolutely the right thing to do.'
The Preston-born star believes Cena had a duty to his fans. 'He owed it to the WWE Universe and, of course, his legions of Cenation fans to close this thing out the right way and give people what they wanted from him, which is the John Cena they've known and loved all along.'
For his part, Cena told The Ringer he has no regrets about the attempted villainous persona, stating he gave it his all. 'It didn't work, but it doesn't mean I didn't give it my all,' the 17-time world champion said.
The Final Countdown and a Lasting Legacy
Cena's last opponent will be decided on tonight's SmackDown, in the final of The Last Time Is Now tournament between LA Knight and GUNTHER. The farewell show will also feature special exhibition matches pitting WWE main roster stars against rising talent from NXT.
Barrett revealed the backstage mood is emotional. 'It's going to be tinged with a lot of emotion, a lot of sadness, that he finally is walking out the door for the last time.' He also admitted he feared injury might derail the lengthy retirement tour, noting Cena is 'not a young pup anymore.'
Looking beyond the ring, Barrett credits Cena with transforming wrestling's global image. 'I think they thought we were a bunch of meatheads, troublemakers, criminals... Look at it today, and it is night and day,' he said, linking Cena's mainstream appeal to WWE stars now being sought by Hollywood.
While Cena has vowed never to wrestle again, Barrett expects him to remain a WWE presence, perhaps as a guest trainer or host of special segments. 'For the most part, they're not wrestling, but they just have these star moments that make us look good,' Barrett said, comparing Cena's future role to legends like The Undertaker and The Rock.
How to Watch and Cena's Career Stats
Fans in the UK can watch John Cena's final match live for free on WWE's official YouTube channel on December 13. His 2025 Retirement Tour has included 35 appearances globally, with UK and Irish fans able to catch up on Netflix.
John Cena's legendary career boasts an incredible resume:
- 14-time WWE Champion
- Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
- Five-time United States Champion
- Winner of the 2008 and 2013 Royal Rumble
- 2012 Money in the Bank winner
As the final chapter of his in-ring story approaches, the WWE world prepares to say goodbye to a defining superstar of his generation.
