Randy Orton reflected on his long history with John Cena and explained why he couldn’t attend Cena’s WWE retirement match.
Orton was noticeably absent from WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. In an Instagram post, he revealed that he was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fulfilling promotional duties for Riyadh Season and the upcoming Royal Rumble.
He wrote, “I broke into the wrestling business and grew up for the past 2 decades alongside @johncena I wrestled with or against him 100 times, at least. I would have enjoyed being there in DC for #wwe #snme and witness his emotional send off into retirement.”
Orton added that Cena fully understood his absence. “But I know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John, because I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia #KSA promoting #riyadhseason and #royalrumble. The morning of his retirement we exchanged a few texts, and I was honored to speak with him on such a big day.”
He praised Cena’s impact both inside and outside the ring, calling him an inspiration. “I look forward to following John’s career in Hollywood AND beyond. Skys the limit with this guy. An inspiration not only to generations of fans, but to myself, who was lucky enough to learn firsthand from one of the most OVER wrestlers ever.”
He concluded by writing, “Thanks for being so good to my family over the years and thanks for making the lockeroom [sic] a better place. Take care John, and I’ll see ya around. ??❤️”
Orton and Cena last faced each other at WWE Backlash during Cena’s retirement tour. The match took place in Orton’s hometown, with Cena competing as a heel and Orton as the babyface. Cena later returned to his babyface role before wrestling his final match this past Saturday, where he lost to former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther via submission.
It wasn’t just Orton who attended Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to fulfill promotional duties for Riyadh Season and the upcoming Royal Rumble. He was also seen with WWE stars Liv Morgan, Grayson Waller and Omos.
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