John Cena's final WWE match ended in a shocking submission loss to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13, 2025, capping a storied 23-year career with raw drama and emotional resonance.
The 17-time world champion, on retirement tour since Money in the Bank 2024, tapped to Gunther's sleeper hold in under 10 minutes, his first submission in two decades.
The Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., erupted as Cena made his iconic entrance, jorts-clad and saluting fans amid pyrotechnics and "Cena Sucks" chants blending into cheers. Gunther, fresh off winning the "Last Time is Now" tournament, controlled early with brutal chops and suplexes, targeting Cena's neck and back weakened by years of wear. Cena rallied with shoulder blocks and a Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Gunther countered an Attitude Adjustment into a powerbomb, then cinched the sleeper for the tap at 8:42.
John Cena Post-Match Atmosphere and Tribute
Crowd boos turned to "Thank you, Cena" ovations as he rose, mic in hand, delivering a heartfelt farewell: acknowledging peers, fans, and WWE's evolution while confirming no returns. Gunther raised Cena's hand in respect, symbolizing a torch-passing moment before Cena exited to "My Time is Now," tears in many eyes.
The moment where the entire WWE roster came out was also extremely special. CM Punk and Cody Rhodes also handed over the WWE titles for a symbolic celebration, and as the entire crowd engrossed the moment, Cena could be seen hoisting the belts for the final time.
The GOAT.
- WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025
There will never be another John Cena! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/8dT8jUQjma
Why did John Cena handed a Defeat in his Final Match?
WWE scripted the defeat to propel Gunther as the dominant heel force, leveraging his amateur wrestling base against Cena's fading stamina from age (48) and Hollywood shoots like Peacemaker Season 2. A win would risk diminishing Cena's mystique or inviting comeback speculation; the loss honored his "never give up" ethos by making the submission feel earned and final, perhaps a fitting end of a gigantic career.
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