John Cena Retires From WWE Following Emotional Final Match

According to reports, John Cena officially concluded his in-ring WWE career on Saturday night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., ending more than 20 years at the forefront of professional wrestling. The farewell headlined WWE’s final Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025, delivering a poignant and definitive conclusion to one of the sport’s most iconic careers.

Cena’s final match saw him submit to Gunther in a grueling near 24-minute main event that combined intensity, mutual respect, and a sense of finality. Fans remained fully engaged throughout the contest, hoping for a last-minute victory that ultimately did not materialize. Following the match, the arena erupted in appreciation as Cena addressed the crowd, joined by WWE talent and staff.

The night also highlighted WWE’s emerging stars. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes faced NXT Champion Oba Femi in the opening match, which ended in disqualification due to interference from Drew McIntyre. Despite the outcome, Femi gained significant recognition as a potential future main-event star.

Sol Ruca delivered a standout performance by defeating Bayley, showcasing her athleticism and poise, signaling her rise within the women’s division. Additionally, a high-energy tag team match featuring World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee against Je’Von Evans and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater kept fans engaged ahead of Cena’s farewell.

Cena departs WWE having helped elevate the company to new commercial heights while intentionally paving the way for the next generation of talent. His retirement marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter for professional wrestling.