Gunther vs John Cena: Retirement Match Will Break Hearts - WWE Preview (2026)

Get ready for a heart-wrenching moment in wrestling history—because Gunther is here to crush dreams. The WWE superstar boldly declares that John Cena’s retirement match will leave fans devastated, and he’s not holding back. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Gunther shared his unapologetic outlook on the highly anticipated event: ‘Fans will come with all their love for John Cena, but by the end, their hearts will be broken. I’m excited for that.’

But here’s where it gets controversial: Gunther isn’t just predicting a win—he’s promising to end Cena’s career with a submission. ‘He’s been beaten before, sure, but he hasn’t been submitted in over 20 years,’ Gunther pointed out. ‘That’s what makes this match truly special.’ Is this a bold prediction or a disrespectful challenge? You decide.

Cena’s retirement tour has been emotional since it kicked off in 2025, culminating in this Saturday’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on Peacock, live from Washington, DC’s Capitol One Arena. Gunther earned his spot as Cena’s final opponent by winning the Last Time Is Now Tournament, battling through WWE heavyweights like Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight. When asked about his favorite match in the tournament, Gunther singled out his bout with Sikoa, praising it as a standout heavyweight clash.

And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t Gunther’s first retirement match of the year. Back in July, he faced WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg in his final bout. But Gunther insists the pressure of these high-stakes moments doesn’t faze him. ‘I know my capabilities, and I thrive under this kind of pressure,’ he said confidently.

During a recent Monday Night Raw appearance, Gunther doubled down on his promise to submit Cena, sparking debates among fans. Is Gunther underestimating Cena, or is he simply stating the obvious? Let us know in the comments.

One thing’s for sure: Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is a must-watch. Whether you’re Team Cena or Team Gunther, this match will be unforgettable—and potentially heartbreaking.

Gunther vs John Cena: Retirement Match Will Break Hearts - WWE Preview (2026)
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