The End of an Era: John Cena Taps Out to Gunther in an Emotional Farewell

On December 13, 2025, the wrestling world witnessed the end of an era as John Cena, one of WWE’s greatest icons, competed in the final match of his legendary career. The farewell took place at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event inside a sold-out Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., where Cena faced the dominant and unforgiving Gunther.

In a brutal, emotionally charged main event lasting nearly 25 minutes, the 17-time world champion ultimately submitted to Gunther’s devastating sleeper hold, closing the book on a career that defined generations. For the first time in two decades, the man behind the mantra “Never Give Up” tapped out. As the pressure tightened, Cena offered a faint smile before surrendering—an image that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling history.

The ending stunned the crowd and ignited intense debate. Some saw it as a selfless passing of the torch, while others viewed it as a controversial conclusion that clashed with Cena’s indestructible persona. Drawing from official WWE coverage, fan reactions on X, and industry commentary, this article explores the match, the fallout, and the enduring legacy of John Cena.

The Build-Up to the Farewell: A Year-Long Goodbye

John Cena first announced his retirement in 2024 at Money in the Bank, confirming that 2025 would be his final year inside the ring. What followed was a carefully crafted farewell tour titled “The Last Time Is Now”, filled with nostalgia, dream matches, and career-spanning moments.

Throughout the year, Cena faced WWE’s elite—Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Logan Paul, and more. In a shocking twist, Cena even embraced a brief heel turn, capturing a record-tying 17th world championship before relinquishing it, reinforcing the idea that every chapter of his career would be honored before the end.

The opponent for Cena’s final match was decided through “The Last Time Is Now” tournament, ultimately won by Gunther, who defeated Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight in the finals. Already known as “The Ring General,” Gunther had previously “retired” Goldberg, making him the perfect antagonist to close Cena’s story.

The event itself was historic. Saturday Night’s Main Event became the highest-grossing arena show in WWE history, with legends such as Hulk Hogan, Batista, Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus, and others watching from ringside.

Match Breakdown: A Brutal Clash of Generations

From the opening bell, the match delivered exactly what fans expected—physical, unforgiving, and emotional. Gunther wasted no time, unleashing thunderous chops that left Cena’s chest visibly bruised. Cena responded with heart and experience, delivering his signature shoulder tackles, side slam, Five-Knuckle Shuffle, and multiple Attitude Adjustments (AAs).

One of the match’s defining moments came when Cena executed a Super Attitude Adjustment through the announce table, sending the arena into a frenzy. Refusing to quit, Cena locked in the STF, a nod to his storied arsenal, while Gunther countered with powerbombs, a frog splash, and repeated applications of his feared sleeper hold.

As the match reached its climax, Gunther cinched in the sleeper once more. The referee lifted Cena’s arm three times. On the third, Cena briefly flashed an “OK” gesture, signaling awareness before Gunther rained down elbows and reapplied the hold. With the crowd chanting “Don’t give up!”, Cena smiled—his final act of defiance—before tapping out.

It was Cena’s first submission loss in 20 years, a decisive statement that cemented Gunther as WWE’s most dominant force.

Aftermath in the Ring: A Legendary Goodbye

Following the bell, Cena remained seated in the ring, visibly emotional. He kissed the mat as the crowd erupted in “Thank You, Cena” chants. The locker room emptied, with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes entering the ring to hand Cena their championship belts in a symbolic passing of the torch—before respectfully reclaiming them.

Cena left his gear in the ring, a traditional wrestling symbol of retirement, as the arena stood united in appreciation.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Wrestling World

The finish ignited immediate reaction across X (formerly Twitter). Many praised the decision as poetic and selfless.

“Cena tapping out to elevate Gunther is the ultimate GOAT move.”
Others compared it to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s sacrifice, a legend falling to strengthen the future.

WWE’s official clips amassed millions of views, with supporters calling it a perfect ending.

Yet backlash was equally intense.

“Cena should’ve passed out—not tapped.”
“This contradicts everything ‘Never Give Up’ stood for.”
Some fans even directed anger toward Triple H’s booking, while emotional posts mourned the loss of a childhood hero.

Wrestlers and analysts were split. Bully Ray defended the symbolism, while international fans—from Europe to Southeast Asia—shared heartbreak over the ending.

Gunther’s Ascension: The New Ring General

With this victory, Gunther officially entered WWE’s elite tier. A two-time World Heavyweight Champion, he now holds submission victories over Goldberg and John Cena, an unprecedented resume.

Fans dubbed him “unstoppable,” and the heat he drew post-match only strengthened his aura. This win positions Gunther for marquee feuds with stars like Cody Rhodes or CM Punk, as WWE transitions into its next era.

John Cena’s Legacy: Beyond Championships

Cena’s achievements are historic: 17 world championships, two Royal Rumble victories, five United States titles, and Grand Slam Champion status. From the Doctor of Thuganomics to the face of the PG era, Cena carried WWE for over two decades.

Outside the ring, his impact is unmatched. Cena holds the Guinness World Record for most Make-A-Wish grants, with over 650 wishes fulfilled. His Hollywood career—including Peacemaker and Fast & Furious—only expanded his global reach.

Tributes poured in from legends, media outlets, and fans alike. WWE labeled him “The GOAT—there will never be another.” Backstage, Cena shared emotional moments with his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, as the reality of retirement settled in.

The Emotional Aftermath: Thank You, Cena

John Cena’s farewell was not defined by defeat—but by selflessness, resilience, and legacy. He spent his final year elevating others and ended his career ensuring the future of WWE stood strong.

As Cena waved goodbye one last time, the ovation said everything. Wrestling moves forward, but his influence remains eternal.

From debuting in 2002 to retiring as the industry’s standard-bearer, John Cena inspired generations to hustle, remain loyal, and respect the journey.

Thank you, Cena.
The time was now—and always will be.

The End of an Era: John Cena Taps Out to Gunther in an Emotional Farewell