John Cena doesn’t want his final WWE event to be just about the past; he wants it to be about the future.
Speaking to Bill Simmons, Cena elaborated on his pitch to Triple H regarding Saturday Night’s Main Event. The 17-time champion revealed that he specifically requested “non-canon exhibition matches” featuring top stars against up-and-coming talent from NXT.
“Have top name WWE superstars. CM Punk, Charlotte Flair — you put it together how you want. Have them have non-canon exhibition matches with the future of the business. Bring kids up from NXT. Get them in a building with real noise, with real energy,” Cena said.
Cena explained that he rejected the idea of a traditional tribute show because he felt it would either be “too much or too little.” Instead, he wants to use the massive audience tuning in for his retirement match to elevate the next generation.
“I want the people who are tuning in for me to be like, ‘Yeah, but did you see that other kid? I’m watching next Monday because he’s awesome, or she’s awesome.’ Like, what a better way to tip the cap and try to keep the thing going?”
According to Cena, Triple H loved the idea, though the specific booking plans remain to be seen.