Michael Cole shares video dedicated to John Cena as industry pays tribute

December 13, 2025 Neal Flanagan NEWS
Image Courtesy: WWE

WWE announcer Michael Cole has shared a personal tribute to John Cena as the industry marks the performer’s retirement.

Cena is set to compete for the final time tonight at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C.

Cole joined a long list of peers paying tribute to the 17-time champion, posting a video that compared his connection with Cena to Jim Ross’s bond with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Gordon Solie’s work with Dusty Rhodes.

The commentator framed Cena’s “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” mantra through the lens of his own broadcasting career.

There are three words which have defined Cena’s career, frankly his life. And these three words have strengthened me, possessed me, and buoyed me throughout my journey in this business.

Hustle: an immeasurable drive to be the best, to have missed just a handful of shows in nearly 30 years. The most important thing to me when I finally wrap all this up will be my work ethic.

Loyalty: blind faith, sometimes to a fault, but I’ll never ask for forgiveness. This company is where I grew into the man I am today.

Respect: treat everyone the same, no matter their position, and to spend countless years helping other announcers reach peak levels without once worrying about my spot.

Cole apologized in advance for being “biased” and “extremely emotional” during tonight’s broadcast, noting that his career is “forever entwined” with Cena’s.

I can’t believe that later tonight will be the final time my longtime friend will step into a WWE ring. The final time I will say… “AA!” “STF!” “Five-knuckle shuffle!” “17-time world champion!”

Tributes have poured in from across the wrestling world and beyond ahead of the event at the Capital One Arena. The Undertaker recalled his backstage interaction with Cena following his debut in 2002.

“Nice job” Those were the words I said to you 23 years ago when you debuted. Now, on the day of your final match, I say again…nice job. Hustle, loyalty, and respect is more than just a catch phrase. For 23 years you have lived by those words. Your passion for our business and dedication to our fan base is unmatched. To have shared the ring with you and have been a part of your journey has been an honor. As your in ring career winds down, be proud of the body of work and the memories you’ve created. Enjoy the last ride tonight my friend and one final time…nice job.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque also posted a message on social media.

Additional messages were shared by Cody Rhodes, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Paul Heyman, and Shawn Michaels. Outside the wrestling sphere, the Green Bay Packers and MLB also acknowledged the retirement.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event airs live tonight on NBC and Peacock.

 

 

About Neal Flanagan 1643 Articles
Based in Northern Ireland, Neal Flanagan is a former newspaper journalist and copy editor. In addition to reporting for POST Wrestling, he co-hosts The Wellness Policy and Book Club podcasts.
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