WWE icon John Cena has officially retired from professional wrestling, ending a remarkable 24-year in-ring career following his final match on Saturday night in Washington, D.C.
Cena made his farewell appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event at the Capital One Arena, where he faced reigning star Gunther in his last bout. The 48-year-old veteran was defeated after submitting to a sleeper hold in a contest that lasted nearly 25 minutes.
The result shocked fans inside the arena, many of whom watched in disbelief as Gunther refused to release the hold despite loud chants urging Cena to continue. When Cena finally tapped out, emotions ran high, with several supporters visibly moved by the historic moment.
Notably, the submission marked the first time Cena had tapped out in his WWE career, bringing a dramatic end to one of the most successful runs in sports entertainment.
Following the match, members of the WWE locker room came out to pay tribute to the retiring legend. Cena then placed his wristbands and boots in the ring — a symbolic gesture signalling retirement — before walking up the entrance ramp and offering a final salute to the crowd.
Cena retires as a 17-time world champion, the most recognised title reigns in WWE history. He also headlined WrestleMania six times and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
He made his WWE debut in 2002 against Kurt Angle and initially struggled to gain traction before reinventing himself as the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” a rap-inspired persona that quickly made him a fan favourite. His catchphrase, “You Can’t See Me,” became one of the most iconic slogans in wrestling history.
Beyond wrestling, Cena successfully transitioned into Hollywood, becoming one of the most accomplished WWE stars to find long-term success as a film actor.
Cena announced in July 2024 that he would retire from in-ring competition at the end of 2025. His farewell tour began at the Royal Rumble in January and included a rare villain turn earlier this year. He later captured his record-breaking 17th world title at WrestleMania before relinquishing it at SummerSlam.
A tournament was organised to determine his final opponent, with Gunther earning the opportunity to face him.
Reacting to Cena’s retirement, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes praised his influence, describing him as a standard-setter who inspired generations of wrestlers.
With his retirement, Cena leaves behind a legacy defined by championships, consistency, and lasting impact on global sports entertainment.
