John Cena's rival breaks character to pay tribute to him

A former WWE Champion broke character to pay tribute to John Cena following his retirement. Cena competed in his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event over the weekend.

The Miz had been demanding one final match against John Cena before he retired, but it never came to fruition. He showed up at Saturday Night's Main Event but was attacked by R-Truth and Joe Hendry. The A-Lister took to Instagram today to pay tribute to Cena and noted that he was already satisfied with the final WWE match he had with the legend.

"All year, I kept saying I wanted one last match against John Cena. One more moment. One more rivalry. One last fight. But honestly…two years ago, the night after WrestleMania, I tagged with John Cena. And standing beside him in that ring…That was the perfect last match. Not rivals. Not enemies. Teammates," he wrote.

The Miz then thanked Cena for pushing him to be a better performer and for all the moments he provided over the years.

"John was someone I learned this business from. Watching his work ethic. His preparation. His accountability. What it meant to carry a company on your back and still show up every night with pride. Over time, that education turned into respect. And that respect turned into something more, the chance to stand next to him as a peer. That’s full circle. Thank you for setting the standard. Thank you for pushing me to be better. Thank you for the moments, the lessons, and the legacy. Thank you, John," he wrote.

The promotion has been teasing a "new era" following Cena's retirement, and Netflix shared an interesting message ahead of tonight's episode of WWE RAW.

WWE Hall of Famer reacts to John Cena tapping out

Wrestling legend Bully Ray recently shared his thoughts on the ending of John Cena's retirement match.

Gunther tapped out the 48-year-old via a Sleeper Hold at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, and the crowd in attendance was not happy with the finish. Bully Ray explained that Cena knew his fate, and that is why he decided to smile before finally giving up.

"Obi-Wan smirked/smiled just before Vader struck him down because he accepted his fate and knew in order for others to live…he must die. And thats why John tapped," he wrote.

It will be fascinating to see what Gunther has to say tonight on WWE RAW after ending Cena's career.

Edited by Robert Lentini