John Cena Bids Farewell to WWE

A Historic Final Match

Actor and wrestling legend John Cena concluded his illustrious 24-year tenure in WWE at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Saturday in an unforgettable fashion. The 17-time world champion tapped out to former two-time WWE Heavyweight Champion Gunther, leaving fans in stunned disbelief during WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Many interpreted this moment as Cena quietly signaling his retirement from the squared circle.

A Celebration of Legacy

Following the match, Cena was celebrated by his fellow WWE superstars. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes honored Cena by presenting their championship belts to the 48-year-old icon as a tribute. Rather than delivering a farewell speech, Cena left his wristbands and shoes in the ring, ascended the entrance ramp, turned back, and offered one final salute to the fans and cameras.

Tributes from Wrestling Legends

Social media erupted with tributes from wrestling legends. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson praised Cena for embodying the quote, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice,” congratulating him on his extraordinary WWE career. Triple H reflected on Cena’s incredible in-ring moments over more than two decades, noting the significance of his final match.

From The Prototype to Wrestling Icon

Cena signed with WWE in 2001 under the moniker The Prototype and debuted on SmackDown in June 2002 in a loss against Kurt Angle. His career trajectory shifted when he adopted the Doctor of Thuganomics persona, a heel character known for freestyle rap promos. This transformation cemented Cena as one of WWE’s most beloved superstars, ultimately achieving 17 recognized world title reigns and headlining WrestleMania six times.

Transition to Hollywood

Beyond wrestling, Cena has made a successful leap into acting. He debuted on the big screen in 2006 with The Marine and went on to star in hit films including Trainwreck (2015), Blockers (2018), The Suicide Squad (2021), Bumblebee (2018), F9 (2021), and Heads of State (2025). Additionally, he headlined the James Gunn-created superhero series Peacemaker (2022–2025), proving his versatility as both an action star and comedic actor.

A Legendary Career Remembered

John Cena leaves WWE as one of the most decorated and influential professional wrestlers of all time. His impact inside the ring and on screen has left an indelible mark on sports entertainment and popular culture, ensuring his legacy will be celebrated for years to come.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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