Ariel Helwani calls WWE ‘soulless’ and slates the John Cena retirement tour
MMA analyst and major pro wrestling fan Ariel Helwani recently discussed the current WWE product and how he feels it is “soulless” under TKO. Speaking on the latest episode of the 83 Weeks podcast, Helwani would go in on the current product and some of the booking from 2025:
“I find the product right now soulless. I really did not like WrestleMania. WrestleMania really, it upset me, to be honest, because I adore everything about wrestling and I adore the pomp and circumstance that comes with WrestleMania.
“The Cena retirement tour, I didn’t think was good. The Cena retirement match, don’t get me started on that. I could do 30 minutes just on how bad I thought that was. And I feel like I’ve been vindicated when it comes to that one, because what has become of Gunther? What has become of this guy?”
Ariel Helwani on current WWE product
Helwani would also add that he feels like the WrestleMania 40 match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns is where the company really peaked creatively, and it’s been downhill since then:
“If you were to ask me where I kind of felt like there’s nothing left, it was that Philadelphia [WrestleMania 40] match. The Philadelphia match felt like the apex, and everything since then has felt a little less than.”
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Jake is the Head of Audience at F4WOnline, having previously worked as a Combat Sports, Gaming and Pro Wrestling writer, successful Editor in Chief and Sports Coordinator. He has more than ten years of experience covering mixed martial arts, pro wrestling, football and gaming across a number of publications, starting at SEScoops in 2012.
He previously also worked for PROGRESS Wrestling as Head of Media as well as working on the social channels of the company.