John Cena Reveals Hidden Easter Egg in Final WWE Match

The wrestling legend says fans missed a subtle callback to his early days as The Prototype.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview, John Cena disclosed that he intentionally grew out his hair to resemble his early days as The Prototype during his final WWE match against Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event in 2025. Cena said he wanted to include various "Easter eggs" throughout his farewell tour that only the most observant fans would catch, as a way of representing "someone facing their mortality" after over two decades in the ring.

Why it matters

Cena's attention to detail and desire to include subtle callbacks for diehard fans highlights his commitment to honoring his storied WWE career, even in his final match. These types of personal touches can make a wrestler's farewell feel more meaningful and authentic for the audience.

The details

During an interview, Cena revealed that he tried to grow out his hair and fade it to resemble his early days as The Prototype from UPW and OVW, though he was unable to dye it the same color due to filming other projects. Cena said he included "many" such Easter eggs throughout his farewell tour, but noted that "nobody caught that, but nobody's supposed to."

  • Cena's final WWE match took place at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13, 2025.
  • Cena's farewell tour began during the Monday Night RAW on Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025 and concluded at his final match on December 13.

The players

John Cena

A legendary professional wrestler who spent over two decades in WWE, winning a record-setting 17 world championships before retiring in 2025.

Gunther

Cena's opponent in his final WWE match at Saturday Night's Main Event in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are so many Easter eggs that people don't know about, to the point of even in the match against Gunther, I tried to grow my hair out like The Prototype from UPW and OVW.”

— John Cena (No-Contest Wrestling podcast)

“Nobody caught that, but nobody's supposed to. I was just doing it for like, Man, if you get it, you get it.”

— John Cena (No-Contest Wrestling podcast)

The takeaway

Cena's attention to detail and inclusion of subtle callbacks in his final WWE match demonstrates his deep appreciation for his storied career and desire to create a meaningful farewell for the most dedicated fans. Even as he retired, Cena remained committed to honoring the character and journey that made him a wrestling icon.