John Cena doesn’t believe Gunther’s WWE story has reached a dead end, despite fan frustration with how the former World Heavyweight Champion’s booking has played out since he retired Cena. The WWE legend recently explained why Gunther’s current run should be viewed as another opportunity rather than a step backward.
Gunther ended Cena’s in-ring career by making him submit at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025. The Ring General then added AJ Styles to his list of retired legends. Despite adding some crown jewels to his list, his momentum has since become a topic of discussion.
Gunther has remained around the Undisputed WWE Championship picture without regaining championship gold. However, Cena believes the German star doesn’t need another legend in front of him every time he steps through the curtain.
John Cena explains Gunther’s WWE booking choices after retiring him
“His story is not done,” Cena said while speaking with WrestleRant. “Sometimes you don’t get a dance partner that’s equal or greater to you.”
Cena pointed to the difference between working with established names and helping younger talent. “Sometimes you don’t get a 25-year veteran like AJ Styles to make him retire,” he said. “Or sometimes you don’t get to retire John Cena. Sometimes you gotta lift up younger talent. Sometimes you gotta hold the show by yourself.”
The 16-time world champion also reflected on his own career to explain why a wrestler’s value isn’t always tied to main-event placement. After main-eventing WrestleMania against The Rock in consecutive years, Cena noted that he waited 13 years before headlining the event again.
“I can’t tell you how many times I went out there when I was a part-timer and did a 15-minute monologue, and that’s it,” Cena said. “But I gladly did it because I viewed it as a challenge.”
Cena also urged emerging WWE talent to focus on the opportunity to perform rather than becoming consumed by frustration.
“As long as you get to go out and perform, you got a chance,” he said.
For Gunther, that philosophy means his current chapter doesn’t erase what came before. His story remains active. Moreover, Cena believes the next challenge is making the most of whatever opportunity WWE puts in front of him.
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