WWE legend John Cena officially retired from professional wrestling after tapping out to Gunther in a heartbreaking submission finish during his farewell match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. The 17-time world champion ended his iconic 23-year in-ring career on a bittersweet note, putting over the rising star in an emotional main event that captivated fans worldwide.
John Cena’s Final WWE Match: Tapping Out to Gunther’s Sleeper Hold
In what was billed as John Cena’s retirement match, the 48-year-old superstar faced off against Gunther, the dominant Ring General who earned the opportunity by winning the “Last Time Is Now” tournament. The highly anticipated bout, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., lasted nearly 24 minutes and featured classic John Cena signatures like the Attitude Adjustment, Five Knuckle Shuffle, and relentless comebacks.
Despite a valiant effort from Cena – including a super Attitude Adjustment and multiple near-falls – Gunther locked in his devastating sleeper hold, forcing the WWE GOAT to tap out for the first time in over two decades. Fans chanted “Don’t give up!” as Cena fought through the pain, but ultimately submitted, marking a symbolic end to his legendary WWE career.
Post-match, Cena sat in the ring soaking in the atmosphere, kissed the mat, and received thunderous “Thank You Cena” chants. The entire WWE locker room – including current stars like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, plus legends and executives – surrounded the ring to pay tribute. Cena left his wristbands, boots, and jorts in the center of the ring as a traditional retirement gesture before saluting the crowd one final time.
Key Highlights from John Cena’s Retirement Tour and Legacy
John Cena announced his WWE retirement in 2024, kicking off a year-long farewell tour titled “The Last Time Is Now.” Throughout 2025, the 17-time WWE Champion competed in high-profile matches against top stars including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, and more. His retirement run culminated in this emotional clash with Gunther, widely praised as a perfect passing of the torch.
Cena’s unparalleled legacy includes:
- Record-tying 17 WWE World Championships
- Headlining multiple WrestleManias
- Iconic catchphrases like “You Can’t See Me” and “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect”
- Record-breaking Make-A-Wish grants, cementing his status as a philanthropy icon
While Cena transitions fully to his thriving Hollywood career (starring in hits like Peacemaker) and WWE ambassador role, his impact on professional wrestling remains unmatched.
Why This John Cena Retirement News is Trending
Searches for “John Cena retirement,” “John Cena final match,” “John Cena vs Gunther,” and “WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event results” have skyrocketed as fans reflect on the end of an era. Tributes from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who called Cena the “GOAT,” and other wrestling stars have flooded social media.
For WWE enthusiasts searching John Cena WWE retirement 2025, this marks the definitive close to one of the greatest careers in sports entertainment history.
