Speaking to WWE, Rhodes revealed the best advice he’s received from Cena. “The best advice that John Cena has ever given me, and he’s given it to numerous talent — it sounds redundant but it’s really not. Listen to the audience. If you do, you’ll never go wrong,” he said.

Undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes defeated NXT champion Oba Femi by DQ in a WWE vs. NXT showcase match at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, got emotional while talking about John Cena's retirement match at Saturday Night's Main Event.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was visibly emotional as John Cena competed in his retirement match. He was also seen crying as he witnessed his former rival retire.

An emotional Cody Rhodes lingered at ringside after Saturday Night’s Main Event, reflecting on John Cena’s legacy.

John Cena's career came to a bittersweet end on Saturday. Cena battled valiantly against Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event, but was forced to tap out as Gunther relentlessly applied sleeper after sleeper to end the superstar's storied career.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes opened Saturday Night's Main Event XLII, where he competed against NXT Champion Oba Femi.

While John Cena was not present on the eve of his final WWE match, several key stars who are also on Saturday's farewell card did a great job building up hype for the event.