John Cena Bids Farewell After Losing to Rising Star Gunther in His Last WWE Match

John Cena during his final WWE match on Dec. 13.
Credit:

Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• John Cena wrestled in his final WWE match on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C.
• He lost his final match to rising WWE star Gunther.
• The WWE star first announced his retirement plans in July 2024, revealing that 2025 would mark the final year of his in-ring career.

John Cena’s illustrious WWE career officially ended on Saturday, December 13, when he faced off against Gunther at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. At 48 years old, Cena concluded his final match with a loss, marking a poignant moment in the history of professional wrestling.

The most decorated wrestler in WWE history, Cena remained in the ring following the match, taking in the appreciation from the crowd, who serenaded him with cheers and chants. Before exiting, he acknowledged the audience with a heartfelt bow and salute.

Throughout his career, Cena has established himself as one of the biggest stars to emerge from professional wrestling. With a record-breaking 17 WWE world championship titles to his name, he later transitioned successfully to acting, featuring in blockbuster films such as Fast X, Argyle, and The Suicide Squad.

In recent years, Cena expanded his career into television, initially appearing on reality shows like E!’s Total Divas and Total Bellas and later hosting competition series such as Wipeout. His role in Peacock’s superhero series Peacemaker further solidified his entertainment career.

Cena’s post-wrestling success is regarded as exceptional within WWE history, paralleled only by his rival and co-star Dwayne Johnson. Reflecting on his journey, Cena once stated, “I wouldn’t be who I am — professionally or personally — without the WWE,” emphasizing the importance of the organization in his life.

In July 2024, Cena announced his retirement plans, stating that 2025 would be the final year of his wrestling career, with aspirations to win one last championship title. He returned to a near-full-time schedule, touring worldwide to bid farewell to fans. Notably, he stirred controversy by turning heel for the first time in nearly 20 years during a match in February, aligning with Johnson and turning against WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. He eventually defeated Rhodes at WrestleMania in April, claiming his record-breaking championship title before reconciling with the fanbase and returning to his roots as a beloved hero.

Known as “The Prototype” in his early days, Cena evolved into “The Face of the WWE.” Ahead of his retirement, he expressed a desire to remain involved with the company, potentially taking on mentoring roles for younger wrestlers or coaching within WWE’s developmental NXT brand. For now, Cena’s remarkable journey in WWE has reached a poignant conclusion.

John Cena during his final WWE match on Dec. 13.

Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty

John Cena.

Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty