John Cena Retires: Kurt Angle Pays Tribute and Recalls WWE SmackDown Debut

Cena interrupted Angle during a promo segment on SmackDown back in June 2002 and he made an instant impact after being asked by Angle "What is the one quality, that you possess, that makes you think that you can walk out here, and come into the ring and face the very best ?"

The soon-to-be-retired WWE star told Angle, "ruthless aggression", before slapping the eventual WWE Hall of Famer and forcing a match to take place between the pair. In a closely fought battle, he was defeated via a rollup, but it was clear a megastar was on the horizon.

Angle has sent Cena a message on the day of his retirement and spoken of his pride in having worked with the 48-year-old. He wrote on X:

"Who in the hell are you? I'm John Cena. 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. I am proud to have been part of his journey, and what a ride it has been for him."

He added:

"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 would encounter Angle many more times during his WWE career, including at Survivor Series in 2005, when he came out victorious with his World Heavyweight Championship on the line. The Olympian is one of many former rivals who played their part in one of the most legendary careers the pro wrestling business has ever seen.

Cena Claims Debut vs Angle "Wasn't Supposed To Happen"

Cena made an instant impression on SmackDown and made the most of an opportunity that came to him by chance because there were no alternatives. He explained this during a Q&A at Florida Supercon in September 2021:

"It’s surreal and it all happened so fast [match with Kurt Angle and shaking hands with The Undertaker]. It wasn’t even supposed to happen. I was thrown in there last minute because they had no other options."

He added that similar opportunities have come up in his life including the role of DC's Peacemaker which he claims James Gunn had former WWE star David Bautista in mind to play. He continued by discussing the match against Angle:

"It was all surreal, it was all like a blur but I remember I was ready to wrestle Kurt and he brought, technically the best out of me and forced me — he tried to run me ragged but I hung in there with him and yes, they filmed backstage moments of other superstars shaking hands there because it was genuine."

Cena's performance was acknowledged on-screen backstage by several WWE stars, including The Undertaker, who gave his approval. He added:

"Everybody was like, ‘Yo, good job’ because when you see a new guy in the locker room, the jury is still out and it worked. So even Kurt himself came up and thanked me and everybody was great and after that I sucked but for that one moment… but it was all such a [whirlwind]. It was crazy."

Cena was a young upcomer at the time who grabbed the attention of legends of the business, and he has looked to ensure that's the case for the current younger generation on the night of his retirement. He will be facing Gunther in his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

But he will also be showcasing NXT talent, including NXT Champion Oba Femi, who faces Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The 27-year-old is one of several members of the developmental brand who are expected to be propelled into superstardom similarly as Cena was.