WWE fans were surprised by John Cena’s announcement that he would be retiring from in-ring competition following the 2025 Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41. Cena’s departure marks the conclusion of a wrestling era, a feeling that is also experienced by his former foe, Bryan Danielson. During a frank discussion, Danielson expressed his feelings about Cena’s choice and their mutual past in the wrestling world.
The famous Summer Slam battle
Danielson looked back on their unforgettable showdown at SummerSlam 2013, a bout that still holds great importance in the careers of both wrestlers. That evening, Danielson and Cena engaged in an intense battle for the WWE Championship. Although Danielson won, his time as champion was brief because Randy Orton quickly used his Money in the Bank contract to become the new title holder.
Looking back on this crucial moment, Danielson confessed, “Some people adore him while others despise him, and the way they responded during that match was the most enjoyable one I’ve had in WWE. He paused, adding, It was about two minutes before I got pedigreed and then beaten for the title, but it was a really cool moment in my career.” This match, full of intense emotion and high stakes, is remembered fondly by Danielson, despite its bittersweet outcome.
The challenge of connection
Despite their shared history, Danielson and Cena haven’t stayed in touch since Cena’s retirement announcement. Danielson attributed this to his aversion to phone communication. He confessed, “I haven’t spoken with him but you also have to understand I hate phones. I have friends but then I’m really bad at texting and like I also have, if you were to go to my phone right now, I have 3800 plus unread text messages.” This personal quirk has kept him from reaching out to Cena, even as he processes the end of an era for wrestling fans.
A surreal career moment
Danielson also reflected on the surreal nature of their SummerSlam match. The experience of headlining one of WWE’s biggest annual events and capturing the world title from one of the top stars was overwhelming for him. “It didn’t feel real,” Danielson said, highlighting the emotional weight of the occasion. For him, the moment was a blend of triumph and disbelief, a testament to the extraordinary nature of their match and its impact on his career.
The end of an era
As John Cena gets ready to say goodbye to the wrestling industry, his impact continues to be a popular talking point among fans and colleagues. Bryan Danielson’s thoughts offer a distinct viewpoint on Cena’s influence and the personal importance of their interactions in the wrestling arena. As Cena’s last matches approach, fans of wrestling can reflect on a career that has made a lasting impact on the sport.
