John Cena Goes out Smiling as the 17-Time Champion Taps out for the First Time in 20 Years in Final WWE Match Against Gunther

In an emotional swansong fitting for his legacy, John Cena's 726th and final televised match ends in a tear-jerking defeat to Gunther.

John Cena Goes out Smiling as the 17-Time Champion Taps out for the First Time in 20 Years in Final WWE Match Against Gunther

Gunther and John Cena (Image: WWE)

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After more than two decades in WWE, John Cena’s legendary in-ring career came to a close Saturday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., as he wrestled the final match of his storied run against Gunther. Cena’s long-anticipated farewell headlined the final Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025, delivering a brutal, emotional finale worthy of his legacy.

Cena’s swan song ended in defeat, as he tapped out to the Austrian following a violent, nearly 24-minute war that kept the crowd fully invested from bell to bell. The atmosphere was electric, with fans desperately willing Cena toward one last miracle victory, one that would have defied history and sentiment alike.

Rather than centering the night entirely around the ‘Never Seen 17,’ Cena exited WWE, having helped leave it in a stronger place. The card itself reflected that philosophy, spotlighting rising NXT talent instead of becoming a two-hour tribute show. While the result stunned the audience, shock soon gave way to appreciation as Cena bid farewell with the locker room and staff gathered to honor him.

The match itself was a grueling chess match of power and resilience. Gunther seized early control with his trademark chops, while Cena answered with shoulder tackles, a side slam, and the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. 

Both men traded momentum repeatedly: Cena escaping danger with the STF and multiple Attitude Adjustments, Gunther answering with German suplexes, powerbombs, and relentless lariats designed to break Cena’s will.

As the match escalated, brutality spilled outside the ring. The former world champion punished Cena against the apron and ring steps, only for Cena to rally and drive Gunther through the commentary desk with an Attitude Adjustment. 

Inside the ring, neither man stayed down. Gunther survived a top-rope Attitude Adjustment. Cena fought through repeated sleeper holds, refusing to fade despite mounting exhaustion. In the closing moments, Gunther’s persistence finally prevailed. After locking in the sleeper yet again and dropping a series of elbows, Cena—smiling through the pain—ultimately tapped out. 

It was a definitive ending that underscored why ‘The Ring General’ was the perfect final opponent: a champion capable of elevating anyone, and one who benefited immensely from the passing of the torch.

The crowd believed until the very end, using “Super Cena” chants as a rallying cry for one last comeback. When it didn’t come, frustration erupted. Chants of disbelief followed, and when Triple H and members of the locker room emerged to honor Cena, emotions spilled over. Still, the moment belonged to Cena—a farewell built on respect and the kind of selfless ending that defined his career.

WWE locker room pays tribute to John Cena after grueling final match

The post-match reception was every bit as emotional as expected. John Cena remained seated in the center of the ring, drained and motionless for nearly a full minute as the crowd vented its disbelief with loud chants of “B*****it!” owing to the decision to make the 17-time champion tap out to Gunther. 

John Cena after final WWE match at SNME
John Cena after final WWE match at SNME (via WWE)

As Cena slowly gathered himself, the mood shifted. The chants turned to “Thank you, Cena!” and he responded in kind—nodding, expressing his gratitude, and taking a respectful bow to the audience that had followed him for more than two decades.

Cena then turned toward the entrance ramp, and the moment grew even more powerful. The locker room emptied in his honor. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Stephanie McMahon, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Undertaker, the Gorilla Position production crew, referees, and the rest of the roster all made their way to ringside, forming a living tribute to his legacy.

Punk and Rhodes stepped into the ring and gently placed their WWE Undisputed Championship and World Heavyweight Championship on Cena’s shoulders. The visual echoed the legendary scene from 2005, when a young Cena and Batista honored Hulk Hogan in the same way. 

Holding both titles high, Cena posed for the crowd and the cameras as Triple H joined him on the apron. Cena then crossed the ring to shake the WWE CCO’s hand, and the two shared a long embrace before the broadcast briefly cut to a retrospective video package highlighting Cena’s iconic career.

When the cameras returned, Cena stood alone once more. He saluted the crowd, took another bow, and then performed one final symbolic act: removing his sneakers and wristbands in the ring. With that, he stepped through the ropes, slapping hands with fans as he made his way up the aisle.

On the stage, Cena paused one last time. He turned back to the ring, saluted, and took a final bow, bringing an unforgettable 23-year WWE career to a powerful and emotional close.

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