Posted on 12/13/125 by Colin Vassallo
Two men who interacted with John Cena in his first Smackdown
appearance, Kurt Angle and The Undertaker, took to social
media to congratulate Cena on his retirement ahead of his
final match later tonight.
Angle was Cena’s first televised opponent, ushering in the
Ruthless Aggression era and Taker had a backstage segment
with the then young kid from West Newbury.
“From his unforgettable moments in the ring to his inspiring
presence outside of it, John Cena has truly left an
indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment,” wrote
Kurt Angle. “I am proud to have been part of his journey,
and what a ride it has been for him. His dedication,
resilience, and passion have inspired countless fans and
peers alike. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement,
I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.
Enjoy your last ride, John….a legend forever. Welcome to
retirement, my friend.”
Cena inducted Angle into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.
The Undertaker then posted his own message to Cena on X.
“‘Nice job.’ Those were the words I said to you 23 years ago
when you debuted. Now, on the day of your final match, I say
again…nice job,” Taker said. “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. To have shared the
ring with you and have been a part of your journey has been
an honor. As your in ring career winds down, be proud of the
body of work and the memories you’ve created. Enjoy the last
ride tonight my friend and one final time…nice job.”