John Cena received a farewell fitting of his stature at SNME 2025. If there was something amiss, it was the presence of his longtime on-screen rival, Randy Orton. A couple of days after the retirement, The Viper has now posted, sharing his respects for Cena and explaining why he couldn't appear in person.Cena and Orton have raised a generation of fans who grew up watching the two men battle it out over the years. While they did revisit their rivalry at Backlash 2025, albeit with roles reversed, Randy Orton's absence from the final days of John Cena's retirement tour, including at SNME 2025, left many dejected.The Viper has now come forward with an Instagram post detailing the real reason for his absence from last week's event. In the statement, the veteran star reflected on his history with Cena and explained that, while in Saudi Arabia promoting Royal Rumble 2026, he was unable to attend the show."I broke into the wrestling business and grew up for the past 2 decades alongside@johncenaI 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. But I know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John, because I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia#KSA promoting #riyadhseason and #royalrumble," wrote Orton.Randy Orton on John Cena's post-wrestling lifeHe also added that he had exchanged messages with Cena on the day of his retirement and that he was rooting for him as he made a full-time transition to acting. Furthermore, Randy Orton wrote about John Cena's influence on the industry, saying he was lucky to witness his journey from such proximity."The morning of his retirement we exchanged a few texts, and I was honored to speak with him on such a big day. 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. Thanks for being so good to my family over the years and thanks for making the lockeroom a better place. Take care John, and I’ll see ya around. 👋🏼❤️," he wrote. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhile he has quit in-ring action, reports have suggested that Cena is still expected to stick around and make occasional appearances in a non-wrestling capacity.