Gunther Reveals How Many Times He Ever Spoke to John Cena Before Historic WWE Retirement Match

Gunther ended John Cena's legendary career by making him tap out in December, but The Ring General revealed some surprising news this week about his interactions with Cena prior to his retirement match.

During an appearance on Cody Rhodes' What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast (beginning at the 6:05 mark), Gunther divulged that he and Cena had barely ever spoken to each other until the day of their match at the Dec. 13 Saturday Night's Main Event:

"I think from until the day of the match, I maybe said hello to him twice," Gunther said. "That was all the interaction that we ever had."

Despite that, they seemed to have great in-ring chemistry, and they told an emotional story that ended with Gunther trapping Cena in a sleeper hold and Cena having no choice but to submit.

Earlier in the interview (beginning at the 3:55 mark), Gunther also discussed the unique vibe he felt backstage on the night of Cena's retirement match.

"That day, strangely, it almost felt like more intense than WrestleMania that day," Gunther said. "Like backstage, I could tell."

While WrestleMania takes place every year, it isn't often that one of the biggest and most popular stars in the history of pro wrestling steps between the ropes for the final time.

Cena had been an institution in WWE since 2002, headlining countless big events and holding world titles on a record 17 different occasions.

The next time a performer of his caliber and importance retires, it may not be until Roman Reigns, which speaks to how big of a moment in WWE history Cena's retirement match truly was.

Cena losing and the manner in which he lost seemed to anger many fans, but as was the case throughout his career, he got people talking.

He also set Gunther up for success, as The Ring General parlayed that into also retiring AJ Styles at Royal Rumble, making Gunther arguably the most dastardly and hated heel in all of wrestling.