John Cena, the most popular wrestler in the history of WWE, takes his final bow as he officially retires from the ring.
US actor and wrestler John Cena, fought the final fight of his 16-match retirement tournament in Washington on Saturday night, December 13, 2025, bringing to a close an illustrious 24-year career that saw him become one of wrestling's biggest and most recognizable stars.
The 48-year-old previously announced his retirement back in July 2024, telling fans at the time that his "body hurts" and is “screaming to close the chapter.”
It has been confirmed, however, that he will remain a part of the WWE family, after he signed a five-year deal to be an ambassador.
Fans gave Cena a standing ovation at the end of Saturday's match and he left the ring, for the final time, to thunderous applause.
It was the first time he had been forced to tap out in 20 years.
The legend left fans fuming as John Cena’s WWE career ended in controversy.
In wrestling there is an unwritten rule that all wrestlers have to lose in their retirement match.
On Saturday night fans witnessed it again after John Cena lost his last match to Gunther who ended his career in a classic match sending a message to the rest of the locker room, “I am and will be a legend.”
The Professional Australian wrestler was not wrong, as in the space of six months he has ended the careers of Goldberg and John Cena; two megastars of this sport of entertainment and a situation that we do not believe will be repeated in years to come.
The emotional retirement match saw Cena take on Gunther in front of a crowd of almost 20,000 at the Capital One Arena, that aired on WWE’s official YouTube channel.
Cena expressed prior to the match “This is for real; we’re going to go down swinging. Stu, let’s go to work one last time.”
As he walked up the ramp for one final time, he delivered one last salute and said to the camera, “It’s been a pleasure serving you for all these years. Thank you.”
The Washington, D.C. crowd absolutely exploded when Cena made his entrance for the final time as an active wrestler.
Cena went outside of the ring to shake the hands of several WWE legends in attendance, including Kurt Angle, Kevin Owens, Booker T, Trish Stratus and Rob Van Dam.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk came out with a number of WWE officials and presented Cena with their championship belts, post-match.
Most of the roster entered the arena and surrounded the ring to celebrate Cena and his legendary career.
Tributes poured in from peers immediately following the bell, led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Writing on social media, Cena’s old rival said: “John, the time has come. We have spilled blood, torn tendons and broken records.
“The thing I love most is that you’re a good human being. Go have fun. You are the GOAT.”
The defeat was an ironic end to an iconic career.
WWE’s official account posted a video of the wrestling titan leaving the arena for the very last time and posted, “One final goodbye. Thank YOU, John Cena.”
John is an American actor, rapper and Professional retired wrestler and he is 17-time world champion who is currently serving as a brand ambassador at WWE.
