John Cena Officially Retires from WWE In-Ring Competition Following Final Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event
WWE legend John Cena has officially concluded his historic in-ring career, retiring after his final match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The event in Washington, D.C., marked the end of Cena’s year-long farewell tour, which had been previously announced in July 2024.
The 17-time World Champion wrestled his final match against Gunther, who had earned the right to be Cena’s last opponent by winning the 16-man “The Last Time is Now” tournament. In an emotional final contest that served as the main event of the evening, Gunther ultimately defeated the wrestling icon, making Cena tap out to a sleeper hold to send the former face of the company into retirement with a loss.
Cena, 48, concluded a celebrated 23-year career that saw him become arguably the company’s biggest star for nearly two decades. His final year was a significant one, including a record-breaking 17th world title win at his last WrestleMania and capturing the Intercontinental Championship to become a career Grand Slam Champion. Although his run as an active wrestler has now officially ended, the “Cenation Leader” has no plans to cut ties completely with the promotion that launched his acting career.
It was confirmed earlier in the week that Cena has signed a five-year contract to serve as an official WWE ambassador. In this new, non-wrestling role, he will be focusing on mentorship, helping to guide the next generation of WWE superstars, and promoting the company globally. The focus of his final event, Saturday Night’s Main Event, was also centered on showcasing the future, with the card featuring several exhibition matches between WWE main roster talent and rising stars from the NXT developmental brand.
