John Cena, the iconic American wrestler, has officially retired. His final match took place on Saturday, December 14, 2025. This marks the end of a remarkable era in professional wrestling.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed this development. It signals the close of his storied career spanning two decades.
Cena’s retirement concludes a two-decade in-ring career. He was central to WWE’s global expansion. His presence significantly shaped the company’s international reach.
His farewell bout saw Cena face GUNTHER. The match happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event. It followed the conclusion of the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament.
The tournament aimed to find Cena’s final opponent. GUNTHER emerged victorious. This set up a clash of wrestling eras. Their careers showcased distinct WWE approaches.
Cena was famous for his power-driven style. He built a deep, lasting connection with fans. GUNTHER, conversely, is known for technical skill. His reputation rests on intense physical prowess.
Before the match, GUNTHER spoke clearly. He stated sentiment would not guide his actions. The Austrian wrestler aimed for a decisive win. He would not allow a ceremonial ending to Cena’s career.
A Legendary Career Comes to an End
This bout marks Cena’s last in-ring appearance. His career boasts 16 world championships. He stood as one of WWE’s most prominent figures for years. Over two decades, he headlined major events. These included multiple WrestleManias. Cena later branched into film and television. His profile grew far beyond the wrestling ring.