John Cena has officially wrestled his final match for World Wrestling Entertainment, closing the curtain on a storied 23-year in-ring career that helped define a generation of professional wrestling.
Cena’s farewell bout took place Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event at the Capital One Arena, where he faced two-time world champion Gunther. In a shocking conclusion, Gunther defeated Cena by submission with a sleeper hold, marking Cena’s first submission loss in nearly two decades and stunning fans in attendance and watching worldwide.
Following the match, Cena delivered a symbolic goodbye. He removed his boots and wristbands and left them in the ring, a long-standing wrestling tradition signaling retirement. As the crowd chanted “Thank you, Cena,” he walked up the ramp for a final salute. Several WWE superstars and executives joined him in the ring for embraces and tributes, while a video package highlighting his career played before his final exit.
Cena debuted in WWE in 2002 and rose to become one of the company’s most recognizable and successful stars. Over more than two decades, he won a record 16 to 17 world championships, headlined multiple WrestleManias and became the face of WWE’s global expansion. His “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” mantra resonated with fans worldwide and defined his on-screen persona.
He had announced at Money in the Bank in 2024 that 2025 would be his final year of active competition, mapping out a farewell run that included the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania before Saturday’s match concluded his wrestling career.
While stepping away from in-ring competition, Cena is not leaving WWE entirely. Reports indicate he will remain connected to the company in non-wrestling roles while expanding his work in film, television, production and philanthropy.
As Cena exits the ring for the last time, he leaves behind a legacy as one of WWE’s most influential performers, whose impact extended far beyond championships and main events