When John Cena closed the ebook on his unbelievable profession over the weekend, there have been only a few members of WWE’s roster that weren’t in attendance for his closing match and the following ringside celebrations. Nevertheless, one big title that wasn’t in Washington DC for Cena’s curtain nearer was longtime rival, Randy Orton.
‘The Legend Killer’ is taken into account by many WWE followers to be Cena’s best rival, with the pair’s feud stretching out over various years and numerous traditional matches. Whereas there have been many faces from John’s storied profession, each previous and current, at Saturday Night time’s Essential Occasion, followers have been nonetheless fast to level out the evident absence of ‘The Viper’.
However Orton isn’t one to draw back. The 14-time world champion took to Instagram to not solely pay tribute to his nice in-ring rival, however to clarify why he did not attend Cena’s closing match, which he misplaced by submission to Gunther.
Why Randy Orton Wasn’t at John Cena’s Last Match
Orton’s tribute regarded again to the start of their journey, graduating to WWE from the corporate’s territorial promotion, Ohio Valley Wrestling. Orton and Cena have been a part of the legendary 2001 class which additionally included Brock Lesnar, Batista, and Shelton Benjamin. The Apex Predator then revealed that his absence was strictly all the way down to enterprise — a motive that Cena of all folks would really perceive. Orton has been noticed in Saudi Arabia lately with various WWE personnel to advertise Riyadh Season and the Royal Rumble, which takes place on the finish of subsequent month.
Nevertheless, that is to not say that Orton and Cena weren’t involved forward of the latter’s retirement match. The storied rivals exchanged texts on the morning of SNME, with Orton stating that it was an honour to be part of Cena’s large day — even when it was simply within the type of a short dialog over textual content. Orton concluded his tribute by underlining how inspirational Cena had been to a complete era of followers {and professional} wrestlers, himself included.
The pair’s closing match towards each other got here earlier this yr at Backlash. At that PLE, Orton was unsuccessful in beating Cena for the WWE Championship.
Randy Orton’s Emotional Tribute to John Cena
“I broke into the wrestling enterprise and grew up for the previous 2 many years alongside John Cena. I wrestled with or towards him 100 occasions, at the very least. I might have loved being there in DC to witness his emotional send-off into retirement. However I do know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John, as a result of I used to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia selling Riyadh Season and the Royal Rumble.
“The morning of his retirement, we exchanged just a few texts, and I used to be honored to talk with him on such a giant day. I sit up for following John’s profession in Hollywood AND past. The sky is the restrict with this man. An inspiration not solely to generations of followers, however to myself, who was fortunate sufficient to study firsthand from one of the vital OVER wrestlers ever. Thanks for being so good to my household over time, and thanks for making the locker room a greater place. Take care, John, and I’ll see ya round.”
WWE followers will probably be glad to have seen clips of Orton in Saudi Arabia making the rounds on social media, in addition to his causes for not being in attendance for Saturday Night time’s Essential Occasion. Orton hasn’t appeared on WWE programming since partnering Cody Rhodes in a dropping effort towards Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed on the third of October’s episode of SmackDown. Positively, his promotion of the Royal Rumble means that Orton’s return will occur sooner relatively than later.
