John Cena’s in-ring WWE career officially came to an end on Saturday night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., bringing a close to an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. Known for his charisma, athleticism, and connection with fans worldwide, Cena’s departure marks the conclusion of one of the most influential eras in professional wrestling history. The farewell event was a highly anticipated moment for both fans and colleagues, who gathered to celebrate his immense contributions to WWE and the wrestling industry at large.
The night headlined the final WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025, a show crafted to honor Cena’s legacy while also showcasing emerging talent. The card balanced nostalgia with forward-looking storylines, ensuring that the evening not only paid tribute to Cena’s achievements but also set the stage for the next generation of WWE stars.
Cena bows out against Gunther
Cena’s final in-ring appearance saw him face off against Gunther in a match that lasted nearly 24 minutes, blending technical wrestling, high-intensity sequences, and moments of emotional resonance. Despite his legendary status and the crowd’s vocal support, Cena ultimately submitted to Gunther, providing a definitive end to his storied career. The match itself was a testament to Cena’s dedication, storytelling ability, and respect for his opponent, as both men delivered a performance that captivated fans from bell to bell.
The audience remained fully engaged throughout the match, with chants of “Let’s go Cena!” echoing across the arena, reflecting their hope for a last-minute victory that would allow him to exit on top. When the result was revealed, shock and disbelief rippled through the crowd, but the post-match atmosphere quickly transformed into one of celebration and admiration. Surrounded by WWE talent, staff, and colleagues, Cena addressed the crowd, sharing heartfelt thanks and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his career.
WWE showcases the future
The event also highlighted WWE’s rising stars and future main-event talent. In the opening match, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes squared off against NXT Champion Oba Femi. The bout, however, was interrupted by interference from Drew McIntyre, resulting in a disqualification finish. Despite the technical result, Femi left a strong impression, with his performance positioning him as a credible contender for main-event status in future storylines.
Another standout moment came from Sol Ruca, who defeated Bayley in a highly athletic and compelling match. Ruca’s combination of offense, confidence, and in-ring presence underscored her emergence as a rising force within the women’s division, signaling WWE’s commitment to developing a new generation of stars capable of carrying the company forward.
High-octane tag action before the finale
Before Cena’s farewell, the card featured a high-energy tag team match with World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee facing off against Je’Von Evans and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater. Despite the challenge of performing prior to the main event, the teams delivered a competitive and exciting match that kept fans engaged, demonstrating the depth and talent present in WWE’s roster beyond its headline stars.
End of an era, start of another
John Cena’s exit from WWE signifies both the end of a legendary chapter and the beginning of a new era. Throughout his career, Cena helped elevate WWE to unprecedented commercial and cultural heights, becoming a global icon while inspiring countless fans and aspiring wrestlers. By stepping away from the spotlight, Cena has deliberately created space for emerging talents to rise, ensuring that the company’s future remains bright. His farewell not only celebrated his personal achievements but also symbolized WWE’s ongoing evolution, bridging the legacy of past stars with the promise of tomorrow’s champions.
The night will be remembered as a historic moment for WWE, a celebration of Cena’s unmatched career, and a demonstration of the company’s commitment to honoring its legends while cultivating the stars of the future.