WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque defended the booking of John Cena’s retirement match following Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Appearing on the post-show panel with Big E, Peter Rosenberg, and Joe Tessitore, Levesque faced immediate hostility from the Washington, D.C. crowd.
Chants of “You f—ked up” were directed at him regarding Cena’s submission loss to Gunther.
Levesque acknowledged the jeers with a sarcastic remark before addressing the criticism.
I’m mildly disappointed. I thought it would be so much louder.
When asked by Rosenberg if the reaction surprised him, Levesque argued that the finish adhered to wrestling tradition. He stated that Cena’s goal has always been to leave the industry in a better position than he found it.
Look, there are time-honored traditions in our business. There are ways that you handle your business. John has said the right thing his entire career, that it is about leaving this place better than you found it.
There’s no way for people to understand that in the moment, you know. But you do what is right for the business. You do what is right for this industry.
John has done that his entire career. And I’m going to do that my entire career. I will do what I believe is right for this business. It just is what it is. And I understand that’s tough for people to understand. But, you know, it’s part of what we do. That is the role we have chosen.
Levesque further elaborated that the decision was consistent with Cena’s character. He noted that Cena would naturally choose to elevate an opponent on his way out, regardless of the criticism it might generate.
If you were to say, “What will Cena do on his way out?” take the emotion out of it and ask people what would John Cena do. And I’m talking about the character, his entire career, sum that all up and say, “What would he do on the way out?”
If we wanna talk behind the scenes, he will put over somebody on the way out. He will leave this place better than he found it, he will go into the ring and he will make somebody on his way out.
That’s what John does. It’s what John has always done. I know people will criticize this…People will talk about this moment right here. I’ve got big shoulders, I’m good with it.
The comments followed an emotional retirement ceremony where Cena left his shoes and wristbands in the ring after tapping out to Gunther.
