The Undertaker Reflects on Retirement and John Cena’s Farewell Tour
Mark Calaway, famously known as The Undertaker in the professional wrestling world, has shared insights regarding his retirement journey, contrasting it with John Cena’s more structured farewell tour currently unfolding in WWE. After a series of bittersweet matches, including notable ones against Goldberg and D-Generation X, Calaway concluded his illustrious persona with a cinematic “Boneyard Match,” widely praised for its execution.
John Cena’s Special Farewell Tour
Unlike The Undertaker’s less organized retirement in 2020, John Cena’s 2025 farewell tour has received acclaim for its meticulous planning. Calaway, while discussing this topic in a recent interview with CBS Sports, expressed admiration for how WWE is orchestrating Cena’s send-off, emphasizing that such a tribute should be reserved for select legends.
“I think it’s great that they’re doing this tour the way they are,” Calaway stated. “I don’t think everybody deserves that. I think Cena definitely does because of the workhorse that he was for so long.”
Calaway believes that Cena’s extensive contributions to WWE, including a record-tying 16 world title reigns alongside Ric Flair, make him a deserving candidate for this kind of recognition. He adds that Cena’s work ethic and dedication made him a pivotal figure in the company.
Possible Future Farewells for Other Legends
As Calaway considers the suitability of similar farewell tours for other veteran wrestlers, he identifies several names he believes deserve a proper send-off:
- CM Punk
- Paul Heyman
- Randy Orton
Calaway expressed his desire to see these icons receive acknowledgment for their storied careers, stating, “I would like to see guys like that get their flowers and say their goodbyes.”
Coaching the Next Generation
Currently, Calaway is part of WWE’s reality series “WWE LFG,” which pairs upcoming talent with veteran mentors. While speaking on the show, he highlighted a particularly engaging moment involving notable mentor Bubba Ray Dudley and a spirited young competitor, BJ Ray. This interaction showcased the dynamic nature of wrestling training and the intense personalities involved.
“Everyone has a pretty good idea about Bubba’s mindset and how he approaches things,” Calaway remarked. “This kid, BJ Ray, has a ton of personality… but he is swimming with sharks. It’s not pretty.”
Calaway’s insights reveal his commitment to nurturing the next generation of wrestlers while ensuring that the legacy and contributions of established stars like Cena, Punk, Heyman, and Orton are properly celebrated as their careers come to a close.
Conclusion
As the wrestling community looks towards future legends and their potential farewells, Calaway’s reflections serve as a reminder of the respect and recognition that ought to accompany a wrestler’s exit from the ring. WWE’s handling of these retirements underscores the importance of honoring those who have contributed profoundly to the sport.