John Cena Defends WWE Career-Ending Loss to Gunther as Perfect Finale

John Cena's final WWE in-ring run began with a heel turn and a 17th world championship. It ended with a loss to Gunther in December.

Pro wrestling fans have debated the booking since then. Cena did not retire on top against the Ring General. That defeat closed his career and boosted Gunther, who later forced A.J. Styles out of WWE.

Videographer Adam Glyn spoke with Cena on Thursday about fan reactions to the match. Cena said it was the best possible ending.

"I think we all just live in the moment, right? I think, this is just my perspective, and if people were upset, that's their right, of course, you can feel how you want to feel. I had a career that was polarizing. That's the world Michael Cole uses a lot," Cena said. "That was a polite word for people who would chant at the top of their lungs that 'I suck.'"

"So, I think with the last match, the audience was polarized. There were people who understood and were entertained in a positive way. There were people who were so in the moment and reacted with such passion, it was like a microcosm of my career. The audience was split. I can't think of a better way to close the chapter than that. It defines what I did."

Cena will enter the WWE Hall of Fame one day. His matches are done, but he remains active in the WWE Universe.

He announced at Backlash that he would host the John Cena Classic to spotlight NXT talent and preview WWE's future. He also chose NXT wrestlers for his last show at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Cena told Glyn he felt super excited about the event, though details were still pending.

"I am fully invested in this," he said. "So, I can't wait to see what it is. I can't wait until we announce the date and location. I think that's obviously step one and we'll go from there."