Wednesday night, AEW Dynamite aired a surprise tribute that caught every fan’s attention. Samoa Joe faced Eddie Kingston in a World Title match. Mid‑match, Joe locked Kingston in the STF. He then turned to the camera and raised his hand in a salute. The gesture felt like a direct nod to John Cena.
Joe’s salute sparked a wave of reactions online. Viewers wrote that the move was a beautiful thank you to Cena. The moment aired right before the final minutes of the match. It added drama to an already intense bout. Fans praised Joe for showing respect to a wrestling legend.
Cena’s Instagram Reaction
John Cena saw the salute and responded quickly. He posted a screenshot of Joe’s salute on his Instagram story. In the caption, Cena thanked Joe for the tribute. The post gathered thousands of likes and comments. Followers shared their excitement for Cena’s upcoming retirement match.
Shared Roots in Training
Both men began their careers training at Rick Bassman’s UPW in California. That common background makes the salute feel even more personal. They grew up together in the same gym, learning the fundamentals of professional wrestling. The shared history adds depth to the respectful gesture.
What Comes Next for Cena
John Cena’s retirement match is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. He will face Gunther in what many call his final match. The event will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. In the United States, the show will stream live on Peacock. International fans can watch on Netflix. The start time is 8:00 pm ET, which is 5:00 pm PT.
Fans are eager to see how Cena will close his storied career. The salute from Samoa Joe adds an emotional layer to the build‑up. It shows that the wrestling community respects Cena’s legacy. As the retirement match approaches, the excitement continues to rise.
Stay tuned for more updates on the match and the reactions from wrestlers worldwide. The tribute on AEW Dynamite reminds us how powerful simple gestures can be in the world of sports entertainment.
Source: Wrestleview
