Carl Edwards honored John Cena with a moving tribute as the wrestling legend retired from WWE after his final match at Washington, DC’s Capital One Arena. The heartfelt message from Edwards, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, highlighted the mutual respect between the two sports icons and shone a light on the special connection they’ve shared over the years, bringing the Carl Edwards John Cena tribute to the forefront in both NASCAR and wrestling communities.
Carl Edwards Praises John Cena on His Emotional Retirement Night
John Cena ended his celebrated in-ring career this past weekend, competing in his last WWE match and closing out a tenure that spanned more than two decades. Carl Edwards, himself a NASCAR legend with 28 Cup Series victories—including memorable wins at the Coca-Cola 600 and the Southern 500—had words of admiration for Cena on this milestone occasion. Since stepping away from NASCAR competition in 2017, Edwards, inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year and now serving as an analyst for the sport, used the moment to honor Cena’s legacy.
“Tonight a legend steps away. Thank you John Cena for a career defined by respect, passion and unforgetable memories,”
Carl Edwards shared. – Carl Edwards, NASCAR Hall of Famer
Cena had announced in July 2024 that his time in the ring would end in 2025. However, he wrapped up his run sooner than expected on Saturday, facing Gunther in a dramatic farewell bout. The crowd at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC witnessed Cena’s emotional goodbye as he left the ring for the final time, closing a record-setting career which included clinching his 17th world title during a global tour earlier this year.
The NASCAR community paid its own respects, commemorating Cena’s crossover moments—such as when he drove the 2016 Daytona 500 pace car. They shared a photo and a message honoring him:
“At the 2016 #DAYTONA500, a pace car drove itself. We salute you, [John Cena]! #ThankYouCena”
– NASCAR
The Unique Friendship Between Carl Edwards and John Cena
The bond between Edwards and Cena traces back to their first meeting in 2007 on ABC’s Fast Cars and Superstars, where celebrities trained with professional drivers. Cena, coached by Edwards, finished third in the televised competition, and their friendship was forged through the experience. Cena voiced his gratitude for Edwards’ mentorship:
“Give it up for my man, Carl Edwards. He’s a great coach,”
John Cena said. – John Cena, WWE Superstar
The collaborative relationship continued over the years, with Edwards appearing as a guest host on WWE Raw in 2010 and later inviting Cena to Daytona, where the wrestling icon waved the green flag at the 2012 Daytona 500. Cena also reflected on how their friendship began:
“It was from the Celebrity Driving Challenge with Gillette that we became friends. I have to thank the folks at Gillette for introducing us. It was totally by chance. I knew very little about NASCAR. I grew up with a little bit of the history of NASCAR just because I’ve been a car enthusiast.”
– John Cena, WWE Superstar
Cena’s love of motorsport led to further appearances at NASCAR events, including driving the honorary pace car at Daytona International Speedway in 2016, cementing his unique place in the racing world and deepening the cross-sport friendship with Edwards.
Looking Forward After Cena’s Retirement
With John Cena’s storied career coming to a close and Carl Edwards continuing as an influential NASCAR analyst, the legacy of their friendship will remain a memorable chapter in both wrestling and motorsports history. Their mutual respect offers a reminder of how boundaries between sports can blur, inspiring fans across different arenas. As both men embark on their respective paths—Edwards in the broadcast booth and Cena stepping into new endeavors—the impact of their camaraderie continues to resonate, especially as amplified through the Carl Edwards John Cena tribute seen during this emotional farewell.
