When John Cena stepped through the curtain after his WWE debut against Kurt Angle in June 2002, he received two simple words from The Undertaker that would bookend his legendary career. Twenty-three years later, as Cena prepares for his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, The Deadman delivered those same words with profound meaning.
Full Circle: From Rookie Encouragement to Legend’s Farewell
The Undertaker took to social media to share an emotional tribute that revealed the intimate moment following Cena’s WWE debut. The Hall of Famer’s message perfectly captured the journey from that nervous rookie to the 17-time World Champion hanging up his boots tonight in Washington D.C.
What makes this tribute special isn’t just the sentiment—it’s the continuity. The same veteran who offered encouragement to a green rookie became the legend honoring an icon’s retirement.
The Deadman’s Emotional Tribute
Undertaker’s Twitter message struck at the heart of what made Cena’s career so remarkable. The veteran didn’t just acknowledge Cena’s accomplishments—he highlighted the character behind the accolades.
“Hustle, loyalty, and respect is more than just a catch phrase. For 23 years you have lived by those words. Your passion for our business and dedication to our fan base is unmatched.”
The tribute continued with Undertaker reflecting on their shared history inside the squared circle. Having worked extensively with Cena throughout both their careers, The Deadman had a front-row seat to witness the rookie’s evolution into WWE’s franchise player.
Beyond Catchphrases: A Career Defined by Values
Undertaker’s emphasis on “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” being more than marketing speaks to something deeper. For over two decades, wrestling fans witnessed Cena embody these principles both in storylines and real-life community work.
The veteran’s words carry extra weight considering Undertaker’s reputation for being selective with praise. When The Deadman calls someone’s “passion for our business and dedication to our fan base unmatched,” it’s not empty flattery—it’s a professional assessment from someone who helped define WWE for three decades.
A Brotherhood Forged in the Ring
The personal nature of Undertaker’s farewell reveals the genuine relationship between these two WWE legends. References to being “honored” to share the ring and be part of Cena’s journey show this goes beyond professional respect.
“Enjoy the last ride tonight my friend and one final time…nice job.”
The clever inclusion of “last ride”—a nod to Undertaker’s own finishing move—adds a perfect wrestling touch to an already emotional send-off.
Industry-Wide Recognition
Undertaker wasn’t alone in paying tribute to Cena’s career conclusion. Kurt Angle, who had the distinction of being Cena’s debut opponent in 2002, also shared his respects. Adam Copeland, known to many as Edge and Cena’s longtime rival, joined the chorus of legends acknowledging the end of an era.
These tributes from wrestling’s elite underscore Cena’s impact across generations of performers. From veterans who were there at his beginning to contemporaries who feuded and collaborated with him, the respect is universal.
The End of an Era
As John Cena prepares to face GUNTHER in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Undertaker’s tribute serves as a perfect reminder of how far we’ve all traveled. The same company that saw a rookie get two words of encouragement now watches that rookie retire as arguably the greatest of all time.
With legends like Undertaker, Angle, and Copeland all paying their respects, one has to wonder: which current WWE superstar will receive similar tributes when their time comes to walk away from the ring for the final time?