John Cena Explains Smile and Why WWE Retirement Match 'Far Exceeded' His Expectations

The ending of WWE legend John Cena's retirement match stirred up some controversy, but he's at peace with how everything played out.

While speaking to WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes on What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Cena explained why his loss to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event was the perfect way for him to end his iconic career.

"When we all talked about it, the one detail I made, I'll do whatever the f--k you guys want, just stay on the face for longer than you think. That's the one thing I said, it's gonna feel weird, just stay. Flash forward to the end, I envisioned something beautiful," Cena said around the 20:30 mark. "Saturday far exceeded whatever was in my heart and soul."

Cena had a smile on his face as he tapped out for the first time in over 20 years. The live crowd booed the finish, and many criticized it online as well.

Cena went on to reveal that he wanted to have a peaceful goodbye following his yearlong retirement tour.

"As I essentially take my last breath, I have struggled. If you think of somebody, the natural causes scenario or however we picture loss in our life, all of us have been through it. They struggle. They hang on just long enough to make sure to say goodbye to everybody that's been meaningful in their lives," he said. "That whole day was so many unbelievably vulnerable, meaningful conversations. And then you realize, I've connected with everybody I love, physically I feel great, I think it's time to take that last breath. And that's that, I hate to go back morbidly to obituaries, but, 'This person died peacefully.'"