John Cena Taps Out in Final WWE Retirement Match

John Cena concluded his illustrious WWE career on Saturday, marking the end of an era with a climactic match. In what he described as his final appearance in the ring, Cena faced Gunther during Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, held in Washington, D.C.

Final WWE Match Announcement

In July 2024, Cena announced his retirement from wrestling, set for 2025. He indicated that his participation at WrestleMania in April would be his last performance at this marquee event. Since then, he has engaged in a retirement tour that culminated in his final match on Saturday.

Farewell Match Highlights

• Cena’s farewell match lasted nearly 25 minutes.
• He showcased a range of wrestling maneuvers one last time.
• Despite an enthusiastic crowd chanting “Don’t give up!”, Cena lost the match by submission.
• Gunther secured the victory with a sleeper hold.

Tribute from Fans and Celebrities

After the match, Cena took a moment to absorb the crowd’s gratitude, as fans chanted “Thank you, Cena!” He expressed his appreciation for their support over the years, stating, “It’s been a pleasure serving you.” The event included a touching tribute video featuring notable personalities.

• Tom Brady
• Peyton Manning
• Jimmy Fallon
• Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll acknowledged Cena’s contributions, saying, “Thank you for being the role model that we all needed. You deserve this, brother. Congratulations, happy retirement.”

Moving Forward

Post-retirement, Cena may still appear in WWE events, but likely in a non-wrestling capacity. He will focus on his acting career, which includes roles in:

• Peacemaker
• Matchbox
• Surprise cameos in The Bear and Pluribus

As one of the legendary figures in WWE history, Cena’s departure leaves a significant void in the wrestling community. His legacy will undoubtedly endure as fans remember his numerous contributions to the sport.