Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns & WWE’s Biggest Stars Deliver Heartfelt Farewell to John Cena Before His Last-Ever Bout

Ahead of his December 13th retirement bout against Gunther, WWE uploads a heartfelt video on YouTube paying tribute to John Cena's legacy.

Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns & WWE’s Biggest Stars Deliver Heartfelt Farewell to John Cena Before His Last-Ever Bout

John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre (via WWE)

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John Cena’s final WWE match takes place this weekend on December 13th in the nation’s capital, where he will face Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. With Cena closing the book on a 23-year career and an era where he stood as the heart of WWE, emotions have been running high across the company.

To mark the occasion, the promotion released a deeply emotional tribute video on YouTube featuring dozens of superstars and backstage figures holding signs to honor Cena’s legacy. Set to The Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition, the montage showcases virtually every major name on the roster, along with some surprise appearances.

Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Paul Heyman, Charlotte Flair, Logan Paul, Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, Otis, and Cody Rhodes all appear, each holding placards thanking Cena or referencing his iconic catchphrases such as ‘The Last Time is Now,’ ‘Let’s go Stu,’ ‘Let’s Go Cena,’ ‘Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,’ and ‘You Can’t See Me.’ 

Drew McIntyre even has a running gag in the video where he refuses to participate before finally giving in. The tribute includes two unexpected cameos as well with Brock Lesnar and Austin Theory. 

In a heartfelt moment, Lesnar holds a sign reading ‘I Can See You’ while looking away from the camera, adding a lighthearted twist to the emotional presentation. Cena acknowledged the tribute shortly after it went live, posting a heartfelt message on X. 

No one does it alone. Thank you to ALL I’ve ever had the chance to share canvas with, discuss the business, learn from, and all those who behind the scenes make what we do special. Saturday is for ALL of us. Let’s go to work! One Last Time!!!

John Cena via X

The video blends archival footage spanning Cena’s entire career with new clips featuring today’s WWE talent, clearly filmed over time with care and intention. It has since spread widely across social platforms, resonating deeply with fans.

However, a few notable names are missing. Gunther does not appear, understandably, given his role as Cena’s final opponent and the top heel who may retire him. Nikki Bella, to whom Cena was once engaged, is also absent. 

Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, both currently injured, were likely unable to participate, though their long histories with Cena would have made their inclusion meaningful.

John Cena accidentally reveals Brock Lesnar’s potential WWE retirement date and event

As John Cena prepares to step into the ring for the final time in just a few days, the conversation around WWE retirements has intensified. Several major stars appear to be nearing the end of their own legendary runs. AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura have already confirmed they are approaching retirement, wrapping up their final tour of Japan with emotional tributes from both fans and the locker room.

Brock Lesnar and John Cena
Brock Lesnar and John Cena (via WWE)

Now, it seems another titan of Cena’s era may soon be ready to close the book on his storied career. One of Cena’s fellow OVW standouts, and one of the most dominant WWE superstars in history, could be preparing for his own farewell. And Cena himself may have accidentally hinted at when Brock Lesnar plans to hang up the boots.

During a new interview with Chris Van Vliet, Cena discussed his upcoming final match against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. When Van Vliet asked why Cena’s Wrestlepalooza match with Lesnar ended so abruptly, the 17-time world champion revealed that the lopsided defeat was part of a larger narrative.

Cena explained that taking multiple F5s and suffering a quick loss was designed to help build toward Lesnar’s eventual farewell, expected to happen in 2026. He then suggested that WWE may be planning a massive final send-off for Lesnar at SummerSlam 2026, a show already confirmed for Minneapolis, Minnesota, a state deeply tied to ‘The Beast Incarnate.’

You have to figure out who gets the shine that night and if, in his return again, only my perspective. This attraction, where we are going to build until he goes into the sunset, which is, I think, in Minnesota? Creatively, it’s very soon. To create a mountain to climb for someone, you have to build the mountain.

John Cena via Chris Van Vliet

Though Lesnar was born in South Dakota, Minnesota has long been synonymous with his career. He wrestled there, played college football there, was billed from there for years, and even briefly suited up for the Minnesota Vikings. It’s fitting that the company may want his final match to take place on his home turf.

Moreover, few Superstars have shaped SummerSlam’s legacy the way Lesnar has. From winning his first WWE title against The Rock in 2002, to the brutal 2014 dismantling of Cena that introduced the world to ‘Suplex City,’ to unforgettable battles with The Undertaker and the controversial TKO finish against Randy Orton, Lesnar and SummerSlam are forever linked.

Cena and Lesnar debuted around the same time, rose through OVW together, and are now both 48 years old. With Cena calling it quits on December 13th, the writing appears to be on the wall for Lesnar as well. 

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