WWE Legend Pays Tribute to John Cena’s Unmatched Legacy at Crown Jewel

John Cena faced AJ Styles in one of the final matches of his WWE career at RAC Arena ahead of his official retirement on December 13th. He has embarked on a year-long farewell tour which has seen him face past rivals and the younger generation, including names such as Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton and Logan Paul.

It really is starting to feel like 'the last time is now' for fans and Cena's peers, including Michael Cole, who sat behind the announcers' desk covering the 17-time world champion's rise to the top of the business. They share a close friendship which the legendary commentator alluded to on Crown Jewel's pre-show:

"Over the years I have had the distinct honor to provide the soundtrack to the man who I believe is the greatest of all time. Back when he appeared on SmackDown for the very first time in his career I knew that John Cena was going to be a star, what I didn’t know is that he would go on to become a record-setting 17-time world champion. That he’d become a movie star. And above and beyond all of that, that he’d become a great philanthropist and humanitarian."

Cena became the biggest star in pro wrestling and transcended the business because of his acts outside of the ring, including granting the most Make-a-Wish's in history. He has also overcome critics and risen above hate which Cole touched on:

"I’ve met hundreds and hundreds of superstars in WWE in my near 30 year career and nearly every single one of them have changed under the spotlight and the intense pressure that is WWE. Well all of them except for John Cena."

He concluded:

"It is my honor to be able to call John a friend and I want everyone to embrace what is going to happen over the next couple of months because there’s only a handful of dates left, as John Cena concludes his retirement tour."

Cena arrived on the main roster in June 2002 before developing into one of the most beloved superstars in WWE history. He brings an end to his storied career in December, having become the most decorated world champion in company history.

Heel John Cena Couldn't Hide Love For Michael Cole

Cole called Cena's heel turn at Elimination Chamber in February of this year as the most shocking moment in WWE history. He also labelled his longtime friend an 'irriational prick' for turning his back on fans and aligning with The Rock.

This disdain came from a place of love due to the story told about their connection on WWE TV throughout the years. It helped signify the significance of Cena's heel turn that one of his biggest supporters was calling out his actions.

Cena broke kayfabe at the time to acknowledge Cole despite his criticsm at the time. He said on the Summerslam Kick-Off Show after the 17-time world champion turnd babyface on SmackDown:

"I know you’ve been saying some nasty things about me on TV, but I just wanted to say that I forgive you, man. I love you."

Cole's influence on Cena's career cannot go unspoken of because he helped the audience connect with the Greatest of All-Time for decades. Even when the 56-year-old worked as a heel commentator, he still spoke of his respect for the future WWE Hall of Famer.