WWE is capitalizing on a pivotal moment in Gunther’s career at John Cena’s expense.

The Ring General silenced the crowd with his submission victory over The GOAT at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. The moment became even more controversial due to Cena’s facial reaction, as he tapped out with a smile on his face.

In a recent interview with Cody Rhodes, John Cena compared smiling in his final match to a peaceful death. He also addressed the crowd’s reaction to the bout, asking fans to accept the outcome as a form of closure.

“You may not think I’m going to retire, but I am. I’m comfortable with that. Please just get the closure you need,” he said. “So now I’m out there. They hate the guy I’m working with. They universally cheer me, which is f*cking rare. And for the last five minutes, everything I preach about storytelling, drama, and having a conversation with the audience comes together.

“The people I love are in the front row. I know my colleagues are watching on the monitor backstage. We’re just in a sleeper hold, man. We’re just in a sleeper hold, having that conversation with the audience.

“So as I essentially take my last breath, I think about struggle. If you picture someone facing the natural causes of a scenario, or however you imagine loss in your life, we’ve all been through it. They struggle. They hang on just long enough to say goodbye to everyone who has been meaningful in their life.”

WWE releases new merchandise featuring Gunther and John Cena

Capitalizing on Gunther’s dominant win over John Cena, WWE Shop has released new merchandise featuring the infamous image of The Ring General making the Cenation Leader tap out with his chokehold submission.

Here’s the description: “In a manner perhaps few would have predicted, John Cena submitted to Gunther who cinched in a sleeper hold, tapping out in his final matchup at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. Show that believe Gunther rules the WWE landscape with an iron fist by bringing home this Will Tap Like A T-Shirt. This tee features commemorative Superstar graphics depicting their marquee faceoff and a match that elevates Gunther into the stratosphere. Make it yours because now the WWE sits under the boot of The Ring General!”

Gunther is advertised for tonight’s episode of WWE RAW, which was taped last week in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fans can check out the spoiler results here.

Photo Credit: WWE Shop

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