Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivered an emotional tribute to John Cena, calling his longtime rival and friend the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) following Cena’s official WWE retirement after tapping out to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. The heartfelt message from The Rock has gone viral, amplifying tributes pouring in for the 17-time WWE Champion as fans reflect on the end of an era in professional wrestling.
The Rock’s Emotional Tribute: “John Cena, You Are the GOAT”
In a powerful video posted to Instagram just hours before and updated after Cena’s final match, Dwayne Johnson addressed John Cena directly, reflecting on their shared history in WWE. The Rock highlighted their iconic rivalry at WrestleMania 28 and 29, where they “spilled blood” and broke records, as well as their mutual respect and friendship.
Key quotes from The Rock’s heartfelt message:
- “John Cena, you are the GOAT. Go have f***ing fun and tear that house down, man.”
- “You epitomize one of my favorite quotes: ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.'”
- “Congratulations on your historic and extraordinary WWE career, my friend. Have fun, tear it down, and as always, ‘thank you for the house.'”
The Rock also thanked Cena’s family for their sacrifices and praised him as a “good human being,” joking about Cena’s signature jorts while emphasizing his passion for the business. Earlier comments included, “Love ya man… You’re truly the G.O.A.T. Bring your moonshine, I’ll bring the tequila.”
This tribute comes amid Cena’s emotional retirement match, where he submitted to Gunther’s sleeper hold, ending his 23-year in-ring career on a bittersweet note with “Thank You Cena” chants echoing through the arena.
The Rock and John Cena: From Rivals to Brothers in WWE Legacy
The Rock and John Cena defined an era in WWE, clashing in blockbuster matches that drew massive audiences. Their rivalry turned into mutual admiration, with recent collaborations highlighting their bond. The Rock’s declaration of Cena as the GOAT underscores Cena’s unparalleled achievements:
- Record-tying 17 WWE World Championships
- Iconic WrestleMania main events
- Record-breaking Make-A-Wish grants
- Transition to Hollywood stardom (Peacemaker, Fast & Furious)
As Cena shifts to full-time acting and WWE ambassador roles, The Rock’s message resonates with fans searching for “John Cena retirement 2025,” “The Rock John Cena GOAT,” and “WWE legends tribute.”
Why The Rock’s John Cena Tribute is Trending in WWE News
Searches for “The Rock calls John Cena GOAT,” “John Cena WWE retirement tribute,” “Dwayne Johnson message Cena,” and “Thank You Cena” have surged as the wrestling community celebrates the WWE icon. This passing of the torch moment highlights Cena’s impact on sports entertainment.
