John Cena will compete in his final match tonight in a bout that marks the end of an era for wrestling – and fans in the UK can stream it completely free from 1am
John Cena, the wrestler-turned-Hollywood heavyweight, is set to enter the ring for his final match tonight, and his opponent has cautioned him not to anticipate a fairy-tale ending. UK fans can tune in to watch the showdown from 1am UK time, as WWE will be streaming Saturday Night’s Main Event live on YouTube for British viewers.
Cena’s retirement tour, which at times seemed as drawn out as the Rolling Stones’ infamous tours (and included a brief, ill-advised stint as a villain for the usually heroic Cena), will culminate tonight, marking the end of an era that revolutionised wrestling and sold millions of vibrant t-shirts. At 48, Cena retires as a 17-time world champion, holding more title reigns than any other wrestler in WWE history, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats as he shifts his focus to his flourishing acting career and his leading role as Peacemaker in the DC Comics universe.
The man tasked with bidding Cena farewell is 38 year old Austrian wrestler Gunther, whose real name is Walter Hahn. After triumphing in a month-long tournament featuring some of WWE’s current top talent, Gunther earned the right to face Cena.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror ahead of the match, Gunther dubbed the bout as the ‘ultimate passing of the torch match,’ but also warned that it could result in ‘heartbreak. ‘.
He also tackled the contrast between the wrestling icons – with Cena famous for his showboating spectacle whilst Gunther brings a methodical, no-nonsense approach. Gunther elaborates: ” John Cena changed the business and stands for a certain generation in WWE but I stand for the complete opposite and I’m still in WWE and one of the main guys. So this is like John Cena versus what WWE is going forward. It’s a very interesting scenario.”
The Austrian powerhouse boasts his own WWE credentials, previously clutching the Intercontinental Championship for a staggering 666 days. His stranglehold on success since arriving in WWE means he’s rarely spotted without gold around his waist, making him the ideal spoiler for Cena’s farewell tour.
Given Gunther’s mastery of submission holds, whispers suggest Cena’s final bout could conclude with a tap-out – which would mark only the fifth surrender in the icon’s 23-year journey. It’s a prospect the Austrian savours: “It’s a great chance for me to spoil a party that everybody’s looking forward to. If it goes the way I want it to go, then it’s going to be a big heartbreak and that’s what I’m aiming for. I’m not here to join in the fanfare. I’m there to do the opposite and I’m looking forward to it. I enjoy antagonising people.”
Gunther represents the classic wrestling archetype and has clearly earned admiration from numerous veterans – during the recent reality programme WWE LFG, which sought fresh wrestling talent, The Undertaker was notably impressed with him.
Following tonight’s bout, Gunther will have sent two major figures into retirement, having previously defeated Goldberg earlier this year, and he’s eager to continue his streak: “We are in a very interesting time in WWE now where a lot of these superstars from years back are still around. And they’re still healthy and can still go and that’s definitely a very special situation because that gives people like me the chance to get in the ring with them.”
When questioned about any particular opponents he has his sights set on, his answer remains diplomatically focused – “I’m very focused on Saturday for now” – yet when the controversial recently-returned Brock Lesnar’s name is mentioned, someone who shares a similarly brutal approach, Gunther’s expression becomes animated.
“I’d definitely be up for that. I feel like he was the Darth Vader in WWE for a long time and at some point you need a new one… That’s what I’m striving for.”
Supporters can witness tonight whether he’ll emerge as the next supervillain when John Cena’s farewell match occurs at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington DC.
The event will be accessible to view without charge on WWE’s YouTube channel from 1am Sunday morning UK time. Meanwhile, Gunther is set to storm back into Europe this January during the ‘Road to Royal Rumble’ tour, with tickets up for grabs now via Ticketmaster for venues including London, Nottingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event match card
- John Cena vs Gunther
- Bayley vs Sol Ruca
- World tag team championship: AJ Styles and Dragon Lee (c) vs. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater
- Champion vs. Champion match: Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs. Oba Femi (NXT Champion)
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