In his final WWE match, 17-time world champion John Cena tapped out to Gunther in Washington, D.C., marking the end of a legendary career. The loss was framed as a selfless passing of the torch, silencing a sold-out crowd before Cena’s emotional farewell and ushering in wrestling’s next era.
Key Points:
Cena was defeated by submission after a brutal back-and-forth match featuring heavy chops and powerbombs.
He rallied late with his signature Attitude Adjustment, but ultimately could not escape Gunther’s hold.
The sold-out crowd fell silent before erupting into emotional chants during Cena’s final salute.
Triple H praised the finish as selfless and declared it the dawn of a new WWE era.
Gunther has now retired both John Cena and Goldberg in high-profile matches.
Cena’s career includes 17 world titles, Royal Rumble wins, and a lasting cultural impact.
The match headlined Saturday Night’s Main Event, closing a historic chapter in wrestling.
The moment blended athletic spectacle with symbolic transition, revealing how even the most storied careers conclude not with a final victory, but with a legacy secured in the act of letting go.
One final goodbye.
Thank YOU, @JohnCena. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/hg8gNpbILG
— WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025
Sources: WWE, Saturday Night’s Main Event coverage