Cena’s last appearance came at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Gunther in a highly anticipated bout designed to crown the final opponent of his storied career. The contest lasted just under 25 minutes and ended in dramatic fashion, with the 48-year-old veteran forced to submit to Gunther’s sleeper hold—an outcome that left the arena stunned.
As Gunther tightened his grip in the closing moments, the crowd erupted with chants urging Cena to fight on. Despite the noise and emotion filling the arena, the hold remained locked in until Cena finally tapped out. The sight was jarring for longtime fans, as Cena—famed for his resilience and refusal to quit—had never submitted in such fashion throughout his career. When the bell rang, disbelief rippled through the stands, and some supporters were visibly moved to tears.
The emotional weight of the moment continued after the match, as wrestlers from the WWE locker room emerged to honour the departing legend. In a symbolic gesture understood across the wrestling world, Cena removed his wristbands and boots, leaving them in the ring before slowly walking up the entrance ramp. He paused one final time to salute the crowd and cameras, sealing his farewell.
Cena retires as a 17-time world champion, holding the record for the most recognised world title reigns in WWE history. He headlined WrestleMania six times and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His trademark “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase transcended wrestling, becoming one of the most iconic slogans in sports entertainment.
Debuting in WWE in 2002 with a loss to Kurt Angle, Cena initially struggled to find his footing as a singles star. His breakthrough came with the adoption of the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, a rap-inspired character that showcased his charisma and quickly endeared him to fans. From there, he became the face of the company for more than a decade.
Beyond the ring, Cena successfully crossed into Hollywood, carving out a sustained acting career that few wrestlers have managed to achieve. Even as his focus expanded, his connection to WWE remained intact.
Cena first announced his intention to retire from in-ring competition at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on July 6, 2024, revealing that 2025 would mark the end of his wrestling journey. His retirement tour officially began at the Royal Rumble in January, where he was eliminated by Jey Uso. In a surprising twist, he turned heel for the first time since 2003 at Elimination Chamber on March 1.
The year also saw him capture his historic 17th world title, defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania in April. He later dropped both the championship and his villainous persona back to Rhodes at SummerSlam in August. A tournament was then organised to determine his final opponent, with Gunther emerging victorious and earning the right to face Cena in his farewell match.
Speaking after the event, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes reflected emotionally on Cena’s legacy.
“When it’s that good, you don’t want it to end,” Rhodes said. “He did everything by the book, taught so many people, and set such a high standard—such a high bar.”
As the curtain falls on John Cena’s in-ring career, his impact on WWE and professional wrestling remains indelible, leaving behind a legacy defined by championships, consistency, and an unwavering connection with fans around the world.