John Cena Retires: The Night WWE Changed Forever

Legendary WWE superstar John Cena has officially Retires. Image: BBC

Legendary WWE superstar John Cena has officially brought the curtain down on his illustrious wrestling career, ending more than two decades as one of the most recognizable faces in sports entertainment.

Cena wrestled his final match on Saturday night at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced reigning powerhouse Gunther. The bout ended in a rare and emotional moment as Cena tapped out — a sight fans had scarcely witnessed throughout his storied career. It marked the first time in nearly 20 years that the 17-time world champion submitted inside a WWE ring.

The result stunned the crowd inside Capital One Arena. While some fans watched in disbelief, others voiced their frustration, directing loud boos toward Gunther, who required additional security while exiting the arena.

The match itself was intense from the opening bell. Gunther dominated large portions, using his physical strength to control the pace. Cena responded with flashes of his signature offense — including the Five Knuckle Shuffle and STF — sparking hope of a fairy-tale ending. However, Gunther regained control and eventually locked in a sleeper hold, forcing Cena to submit.

As silence filled the arena, WWE legends including Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Rob Van Dam, Trish Stratus and Michelle McCool entered the ring to honor Cena. A tribute video chronicling his journey — from rookie sensation to global icon — played on the big screen.

In a symbolic gesture, Cena placed his boots in the center of the ring before saluting the crowd. Addressing the fans, he said, “Thank you for allowing me to do this for all these years. This journey meant everything to me.”

Cena had announced his intention to retire from wrestling last year, shifting his focus fully toward acting and philanthropy. His legacy includes record-breaking championship reigns, countless main events, and an enduring impact on WWE’s global expansion.

With his final bow complete, John Cena leaves the ring not just as a champion, but as one of wrestling’s most influential figures — a superstar whose presence defined an era.

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