D.C. hosted WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event show at Capital One Arena on Saturday, featuring John Cena’s final match.
Cena took on Austrian pro wrestling star “The Ring General” Gunther and lost after a brutal 24-minute match. The 17-time world champion tapped out via submission for the first time in over 20 years.
After losing, Cena was surrounded by members of the WWE locker room. Instead of giving a speech, Cena removed his wristbands and shoes and left them in the middle of the ring. He walked up the ramp and gave one last salute to the fans before walking out of the arena, ending his pro wrestling career.
WTOP’s José Umaña talked to fans about the results, with many traveling long distances to get to D.C. for the event.
“It really sucked that John Cena lost,” said Winston, who traveled from California for the match. “We lost a great legend today. It won’t be the same and there won’t be another John Cena.”
Antonio also came from California to see Cena one last time.
“I did not think I would ever see Cena tap out,” Antonio said.
After a career spanning over 20 years, he said it was hard to see it end like that.
“John Cena’s model was always ‘never give up,'” Antonio said.
But, he said, it was worth the trip across the U.S. for the event.
“I had to see the ‘GOAT,’ the greatest of all time, retire. It’s 100% worth it. Win or lose, it didn’t matter. He’s still the best,” he said.
Patrick said it was his first WWE match and he traveled from Florida for it.
“It was a great match,” Patrick said. “I kind of figured it was going to come to an end like that, but the rest of the other matches were pretty good.”
Earl B. Bryant told WTOP that the match showed those watching what the future holds.
“Tonight, it didn’t go the way that the people wanted, but the ‘The Ring General’ did what was necessary by taking the energy out of this place and paving the way for the new,” Bryant said. “Gunther is the future of wrestling.”
Blake came from Nova Scotia in Canada said the matches the whole night were entertaining for fans.
“I really enjoyed the card, but just the ending could have been a lot better,” Blake said. “It was probably his idea to tap out, honestly. But, I mean, wonderful career. He’s the ‘GOAT’ for a reason,” he said.
Over 19,000 crammed inside Capital One Arena for the show, which also featured Undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes taking on NXT champion Oba Femi.
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