flz wrestling talk: GUNTHER’S TIME IS NOW!
In the end, there can only be one….
Once John Cena announced he would retire from in-ring competition at the end of 2025, many speculated how the WWE would come to a conclusion for a final opponent. Knowing the legendary feuds Cena has been involved with, many names were mentioned. The easiest and most logical answer to this was a tournament. 16 wrestlers entered via “random” drawing. Names from the past like “Zach Ryder” (Matt Cardona) and “Dolph Ziggler” (Nic Nemeth) stopped through. New stars like Carmelo Hayes and Je’Von Evans were granted a chance to compete. Fans have had some unlikely match-ups come their way. It was an entertaining ride to follow as they all vied for the chance to face the G.O.A.T. After weeks of matches, two made the finals. Punching their tickets to the finals were LA Knight and “The Ring General” Gunther.
Going into “WWE Smackdown” for Dec. 5th, it was really anyone’s guess who would win. Knight has been a long-time contender with the crowd asking “When will he get another big-time shot?”. Gunther has a pedigree all his own being a dominant champion in both WWE NXT UK and WWE.
After the final bell rang, GUNTHER has earned the right to face Cena on December 13th on “WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event”.
Was this the right call? It’s an easy YES. Let’s talk about how “The Ring General” was the only option to win the honor of sending Cena off into retirement from in-ring performing.
Picture credit: WWE //LA Knight & Gunther in “The Last Time is Now” finals on WWE Smackdown
The resume speaks for itself. All he does is WIN!
No matter what brand he has been apart of, Gunther has earned his spot at the top of the card. After making his name on the independent scene for years, he debuted in NXT UK in 2018. His presence instantly gave them star power. There wasn’t a question of why he held onto their top prize for 870 days! Once he came over to the US based NXT, his time was short because he was ready to make noise on the WWE main roster.
In 2022, Gunther captured the Intercontinental Championship and elevated it to a new level. Whenever a wrestler can take a mid-card title and make it fell greater than the world title, you KNOW that’s a franchise player. Gunther was the longest reigning IC title holder for over 650 days. This is very uncommon in today’s day and age of wrestling. From there, he moved onto win the King Of The Ring tourney and World Championship.
“The General” is no stranger to retirement matches
It is hard to believe but Gunther has already been a part of a retirement angle with WWE before. In July of 2025, he defeated Goldberg on a “Saturday Night’s Main Event” in Atlanta. Fans need to remember this isn’t the WCW era Goldberg. His last few outings for WWE were less than stellar. “The General” did his part and make magic when many doubted he could. For the higher-ups to have that much trust in Gunther to make it memorable is a feather in his cap.
Much like his opponent, Gunther is being looked at as the benchmark for his current era of superstars.
There are only so many spots on a roster to make a name for yourself. Gunther came in with a “strong style” and character that works with any other wrestler. He’s been someone to have so much passion for the business and makes you feel that same respect. He is a throwback of sorts but timeless in-between the ropes. Gunther continues to adapt with each match he’s in. The latest bout with Knight was a perfect example of this. Using the ring psychology of Knight’s neck sold the story to fans.
The “New School” of both fans and wrestlers have taken notice. This level of performance echoes his opponent leaving after Saturday. Cena’s “leave it all in the ring” attitude resonates with The General. In the end, Gunther may get the win, but he will win something far more greater:
Cena’s handshake in respect and a co-sign to take the next generation further than he did.
That’s my thoughts for why Gunther deserved to win, but let me know yours in the comments and on FLZ socials. Who do you want to see in Cena’s final match and why? Remember to follow FLZ on all socials and YouTube for more wrestling content. Thanks for reading.
