It Could Have Been Done Oh So Simply: John Cena Tapping Out And Why It Was Stupid

We're way over twenty-four hours removed from John Cena's final match and I am still bothered by the result.

Or rather the way it was reached.

Sure, I had a bet on John Cena winning the match. I've had wagers win and lose before. I'll have wagers win and lose in the future. My opinion is not swayed by my personal loss.

But. The way that result was reached was stupid. S-T-U-P-I-D, I say.

For those who may be unaware, Cena lost by tapping out while his opponent - Gunther - had the retiring wrestler in a sleeper.

With a smile on his face, Cena submitted. That was insulting to the audience. It goes deeper than that, though.

For the majority of John Cena's career, he walked around with the motto 'Never Give Up'. It was emblazoned on his merchandise and was an ethos he would proudly use to inspire sick children for the record-breaking number of Make a Wish visits he is credited with.

So, bearing that in mind, the GOAT's last act as a professional wrestler was giving up.

Think about it: the man who dedicated his career telling people to never give up contradicted that career by tapping a few fingers on another guy's arm.

There was a way to get the end result and not tarnish Cena along the way.

Gunther could have placed Cena in the sleeper-hold, Cena could have fought before passing out. The referee would then call for the bell. 

Match over. Career over.

Gunther wins, but - by losing in this manner - John Cena leaves by punctuating his ethos one final, legacy-defining, time.