- John Cena retirement became official on Saturday, December 13, 2025, when the 17‑time world champion fought his final WWE match
- For a long time, John Cena had hinted that his body was starting to feel the effects of decades of wrestling
- His work with WWE, from huge main events to his unmatched community service and presence in mainstream entertainment, has made him one of the most famous people in professional wrestling history
John Cena retirement became official on Saturday, December 13, 2025, when the 17‑time world champion fought his final WWE match and lost to Gunther, bringing to an end one of the most illustrious careers in professional wrestling history.
The professional wrestling world watched as John Cena culminated at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena.
Cena, who has been a big part of WWE since the beginning, faced rising star Gunther in the ring for the last time. In a tense and emotional match, Cena had to give up in a sleeper hold. This was the first time in years that he had tapped out in a match, and it was the end of his career as a professional wrestler.
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Fans filled the arena, and millions of people around the world watched a moment WWE had been building up to all year. What began as months of speculation following Cena’s initial announcement in 2024 was confirmed with finality on Saturday: John Cena retirement was now reality, signaling the close of a 24‑year in‑ring career.
A Career That Defined WWE
John Cena retirement ends a WWE career that began almost 25 years ago. In June 2002, Cena made his SmackDown debut as “The Prototype.” He then went on to become one of the most decorated and important wrestlers in history. He became a cultural icon over the years, headlining many WrestleMania events, winning 17 world titles, and winning over generations of fans.
Cena’s motto, “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,” became a rallying cry for fans and peers throughout his career. His mix of athleticism, charm, and long career made him a global star in and out of the wrestling ring. Cena’s in‑ring persona and real‑world popularity made him a perennial fixture at the top of WWE programming for years.
The Road to Retirement
For a long time, John Cena had hinted that his body was starting to feel the effects of decades of wrestling. In 2024, he publicly announced plans to retire, explaining that the grueling physical demands of the sport had taken their toll and that the timing felt right to step aside.
After the announcement, WWE planned a year-long farewell tour for 2025. Cena fought some of the biggest stars in the world at big events, which built excitement for his last match and let fans around the world see one last chapter of his career. This extended farewell only amplified interest and emotion as John Cena retirement approached its climax.
The Final Bout Against Gunther
The matchup chosen to close Cena’s in‑ring career was far from ceremonial. Gunther was a fierce competitor and a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. He was part of a new generation of WWE talent. Their bout was intense and physical, drawing chants from the crowd and showcasing Cena’s relentlessness even in his final performance.
Even though Cena kept doing his signature moves and rallying, he finally gave in to Gunther’s sleeper hold and tapped out. Fans in the arena and online had strong reactions to Cena giving up, which was a big change from the wrestler who was known for never giving up.
Honors and an emotional goodbye
The Capital One Arena was full of energy and emotion after the match. WWE stars from the past and present came together to honor Cena. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, the current champions, gave Cena their belts as a way to honor his legacy.
Cena didn’t deliver a traditional farewell speech. Instead, he left his famous wristbands and boots in the middle of the ring, which is a traditional sign of final retirement among wrestlers. Then he waved to the crowd in a moment of gratitude and respect for each other.
What Fans Said
People had a lot of different reactions to Cena leaving. Many fans were happy that an era was coming to an end and thanked him for what he did for the sport and for their lives.
Some people were unhappy with how the last match went, saying that Cena deserved a better send-off. Fans were very emotional as they dealt with John Cena’s retirement. There were many tributes and thoughts about Cena’s career on social media.
One fan‑driven reaction underscored how deeply Cena had resonated with audiences: for many, watching him retire felt like the loss of a cultural touchstone — a wrestler who had been part of their lives for decades and defined moments of their youth.
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Legacy Outside the Ring
John Cena retirement from wrestling means the end of his in-ring career, but his impact will live on. His work with WWE, from huge main events to his unmatched community service and presence in mainstream entertainment, has made him one of the most famous people in professional wrestling history.
Cena’s success outside WWE, including major film roles and television work, has broadened the visibility of professional wrestling and brought new fans into the sport. As he retires, he will still work for WWE as an ambassador, having already signed a five-year deal.
What Will Happen in the Future
Fans all over the world are thinking about John Cena retirement, but WWE is already looking ahead. The company has to figure out how to keep the momentum going from decades of success into a new chapter, now that new stars like Gunther and others are ready to take the stage.
Cena’s retirement may serve as a catalyst, inspiring younger superstars to step into the spotlight and define the future of WWE.
As wrestling fans look back on Cena’s long career, from his WrestleMania main events to his leadership behind the scenes and crossover fame, one thing is clear: John Cena’s impact on sports entertainment will last for a long time, even though his in-ring career is over.
