CM Punk recently explained the creative thinking behind one of the most emotional moments of John Cena’s retirement match, revealing he drew inspiration from a two-decade-old tribute and felt the universe pushed the idea his way.
Punk said he pitched having himself and Cody Rhodes lay their world titles on Cena’s shoulders after the veteran’s final WWE bout, recreating a gesture he had only recently rewatched by chance.
Punk shared the story on the second episode of the third season of WWE Unreal (Netflix), the company’s behind-the-scenes reality series. Punk pitched the tribute for Cena’s send-off at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, borrowing from a 2005 segment.
The inspiration came from a Raw moment in 2005, when world champions Cena and Batista placed their belts on Hulk Hogan’s shoulders as a show of respect. Punk said a clip of it landed in front of him at exactly the right time.
I saw a clip, I mean, it’s gotta be 2005, because Batista and Cena are both champs and Hogan’s there. Cena and Batista, they both take their titles off and they put them on Hogan’s shoulders. I think the universe does silly things sometimes, I can’t remember who sent me the clip, but it knew there was a reason I saw it cause I saw it right before that day Cena was retiring, but I just thought it’s symbolic,” Punk said.
Cena Had No Warning
The tribute worked as intended in part because it caught Cena off guard. Per the episode, Cena was not told in advance that Punk and Rhodes planned to place their titles on his shoulders, a choice made so his reaction in the ring would be genuine.
At the time, Punk was WWE World Heavyweight Champion, having beaten Jey Uso for the title on the November 1, 2025 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Rhodes was Undisputed WWE Champion, continuing his run as the face of Raw. Cena holding both belts served as a visual nod to his influence on the current main-event scene.
The End Of An Era
Cena’s retirement bout at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., ended in a submission loss to Gunther, closing a legendary in-ring career that began with his televised debut on SmackDown in June 2002.
Following the loss, Cena received his in-ring farewell with a video package before Punk and Rhodes brought their titles into the ring. It was the last time the 17-time world champion would share the ring with the gold he defined for so long.
