The legendary career of John Cena, built on a public ethos of hard work and perseverance, reached its emotional conclusion in 2025. However, his journey to becoming WWE's Franchise Player was not without controversy, as older allegations of using backstage influence have resurfaced, painting a complex picture of his time at the top.
The Final Bell: Cena's 2025 Farewell
John Cena officially retired from WWE at the end of 2025. His farewell tour culminated in a final match against the formidable Gunther at the December edition of WWE Saturday Night's Main Event. In a symbolic passing of the torch, Cena, known as The Never Give Up champion, fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Gunther's raw power.
The match was a testament to Cena's spirit. He survived multiple sleeper hold attempts, but in a poignant moment, he tapped out to one final hold with a smile on his face, accepting his fate. The arena erupted in applause as Cena left his shoes and armbands in the ring, offering a final salute to the WWE Universe before exiting the stage for the last time.
Allegations of Backstage Influence and a Derailed Career
Behind the glitter of his public persona, Cena has long faced whispers of using his position to sideline potential rivals. One of the most cited cases involves former WWE star Kenny Dykstra. Dykstra, who debuted in 2006 as part of the Spirit Squad, was in a real-life relationship with wrestling legend Mickie James in the late 2000s.
Rumours then began to circulate about an affair between James and the top star John Cena. According to the allegations, this led Cena to sabotage Dykstra's career. It is claimed that Cena used his influence to have Dykstra moved from RAW, where both Cena and James were stationed, to SmackDown. This was reportedly followed by efforts that led to Dykstra's eventual release from WWE.
In an exchange on the social media platform X, Kenny Dykstra confirmed these claims. He also alleged that Mickie James' own success during that period was a direct result of her affair with Cena.
Fallout and the Infamous 'Piggy James' Storyline
The story, however, did not have a happy ending for Mickie James either. Dykstra stated that Cena turned down James' hopes for a serious relationship and went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Huberdeau, in 2012. Following this, James' career trajectory took a severe hit.
She was moved to SmackDown and became the target of a humiliating and infamous television storyline known as 'Piggy James', which involved insults about her weight. This controversial angle preceded her eventual release from WWE in 2010.
These allegations present a stark contrast to the 'Never Give Up' hero worshipped by millions. They suggest a world of complex backstage politics in WWE, where personal relationships could dramatically alter career paths. As the wrestling world celebrates John Cena's monumental contributions and his 2025 retirement, these old stories serve as a reminder of the multifaceted narratives that exist behind the curtain of sports entertainment.
