Why wasn’t John Cena’s retirement match in Boston? According to the man himself, it wasn’t his call.
Speaking with Bill Simmons, Cena addressed fan disappointment that his final bout isn’t taking place in his hometown. The final match is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
“That’s way beyond my control. I don’t book the live event calendar… If it was up to me, every match would be in Tampa,” Cena joked, referring to his current residence. He noted that logistical hurdles often dictate the schedule. “You never know… you don’t know the routing, you don’t know live event hurdles… I don’t know if the Garden was available.”
Cena also revealed that he actively campaigned against WWE’s original creative direction for his farewell event. The company initially proposed a tribute show, but Cena called Triple H to pivot the focus toward the future.
“I think if we do a tribute show, one of two things are going to happen it’s either going to be too much or too little, which means it’s not going to be good,” Cena explained.
Instead, Cena pitched the current format for Saturday Night’s Main Event, which will feature top stars working with the next generation.
“Everyone knows it’s John Cena’s last match… show the future of your business,” he told Triple H. “Bring top WWE Superstars CM Punk, Charlotte Flair, have them wrestle the future, bring kids up from NXT… I want people tuning in for me to say, ‘Yeah, but did you see that other kid? I’m watching next Monday because they’re awesome.’”