In a shocking turn of events at WWE Crown Jewel 2023, Solo Sikoa displayed his dominance over John Cena by delivering a relentless assault of 10 Samoan Spikes, ultimately pinning Cena to secure an unexpected victory. The match between Solo and Cena portrayed the latter as a gunslinger in one of his final shootouts, raising questions about his endurance and stamina, and leading to speculation about his retirement.

The emotionally charged atmosphere in Saudi Arabia was filled with "Thank You Cena" chants, showcasing the immense admiration and respect the fans have for the wrestling superstar. As Michael Cole hinted at Cena's retirement, the audience came to terms with the possibility of bidding farewell to one of the most iconic figures in WWE history.

Throughout the Hollywood strike, Cena's increasing availability allowed him to make regular appearances on SmackDown, resulting in a significant boost in ticket sales and viewership. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, ever since Cena's return on September 1, the Friday night flagship show has consistently drawn over 10,000 fans each week. Cena's presence has proven to be a game-changer for WWE.

During his comeback tour, Cena assumed a supporting role on WWE programming, featuring prominently as the host of WWE Payback and as the special guest referee for LA Knight's grudge match against The Miz. While his wrestling matches were infrequent, Cena's support for rising star LA Knight solidified the latter's status as WWE's hottest talent. However, Cena's return had been marred by a prolonged drought of televised singles victories, with his last win in such a match dating back over 2,000 days.

The feud between Cena and Solo Sikoa highlighted a new chapter in Cena's career, one where he embraced his role as a supporting actor. Cena openly endorsed and cheered on LA Knight during his battles against Roman Reigns, portraying himself as the underdog against the formidable Sikoa. This portrayal marked a departure from Cena's previous superhero-like persona, signaling a shift in his approach to wrestling.

Compared to rival promotion AEW, WWE's usage of Cena demonstrates a strategic focus on promoting younger stars. AEW's reliance on older wrestlers, such as TNT champion Christian Cage (49), Edge (50), Sting (64), Ric Flair (74), and Billy Gunn (60), has raised concerns about the promotion's reliance on veteran talent. In contrast, Cena's involvement in WWE showcases the company's commitment to nurturing the next generation of wrestlers.

As the SAG-AFTRA strike and the uncertainty surrounding Cena's future loomed, fans eagerly anticipated how much longer they would be able to enjoy Cena's presence on WWE programming in its current form. With his appearances effectively elevating and endorsing emerging WWE talents, Cena's return has had a significant impact on the trajectory of the promotion.

As the wrestling world eagerly watches the final stages of Cena's latest run, one thing remains certain: his contributions to WWE extend beyond his in-ring performances, making him an invaluable asset to the promotion and a true legend in the industry.