John Cena’s exceptional WWE journey reached its conclusion at Saturday Night time’s Principal Occasion, the place he suffered a defeat to Gunther. The Ring Basic compelled Cena to submit in a fiercely contested matchup that stored the viewers absolutely engaged. This marked the primary submission lack of Cena’s profession in almost 20 years, triggering sturdy reactions from followers inside the sector.
WWE Legends Collect to Honor Cena’s Ultimate Match
The night became a celebration of WWE historical past as a number of of Cena’s iconic rivals, together with Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, and Rob Van Dam, have been seated at ringside. WWE Corridor of Famers Michelle McCool and Trish Stratus have been additionally current, including to the emotional weight of the evening.
Different WWE icons comparable to The Rock and Kane despatched their finest needs to Cena forward of his closing bout. Feelings ran excessive all through the present, with WWE airing a number of tribute movies highlighting Cena’s profession milestones and achievements.
The Biggest of All Time.
Thanks, @JohnCena, pic.twitter.com/xcXnKKdxFs—WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025
Gunther and Cena Make Emotional Entrances
Gunther made his entrance first and was met with loud boos from the group. When Cena emerged to his iconic theme music, the Capital One Area erupted in cheers because the 17-time world champion made his closing stroll to the ring, acknowledging his former rivals alongside the way in which.
Gunther Takes Early Management as Followers Rally Behind Cena
Gunther shortly established dominance, drawing loud reactions from the packed enviornment. Cena tried an early comeback, touchdown the five-knuckle shuffle and making use of the STF in an effort to finish the match early.
The Ring Basic quickly regained management, unleashing a relentless assault on Cena as followers tried to will the veteran again into the competition.
Cena’s Comeback and Gunther’s Ruthless Response
Cena entered his signature unstoppable part, delivering one other five-knuckle shuffle adopted by an Perspective Adjustment. Gunther kicked out at two and almost put Cena to sleep with a decent Sleeper Maintain.
Gunther continued to dominate, tossing Cena across the ring and driving him into the metal steps. Nevertheless, the momentum briefly shifted when Cena countered with an Perspective Adjustment by way of the announcers’ desk.
Sleeper Maintain Ends Cena’s Profession
Gunther kicked out once more at two, extending the match. As Cena pressed ahead, followers chanted “You continue to acquired it,” which Cena acknowledged. Gunther capitalized with a strong counter, almost ending the bout with a powerbomb.
The tempo intensified, with Cena hitting a top-rope Perspective Adjustment that also resulted in solely a two-count. In the end, Gunther locked within the Sleeper Maintain as soon as extra, forcing Cena to submit. The surprised crowd instantly voiced outrage over the choice.
Emotional Farewell as Cena Leaves His Boots within the Ring
Following the match, your entire WWE roster surrounded Cena to congratulate him on his legendary profession. A tribute video performed as Cena stood visibly emotional. He then left his wrestling sneakers within the middle of the ring earlier than soaking within the crowd’s appreciation.
Cena saluted the digicam and mentioned, “It has been a pleasure serving you all these years, thanks,” earlier than exiting backstage for the ultimate time.
Extra Context Behind Cena vs Gunther
The match marked the conclusion of Cena’s year-long retirement tour, which started after his announcement in 2024. Gunther earned the chance by successful the “Final Time is Now” match. Cena had requested that the cardboard highlight rising NXT expertise, emphasizing WWE’s future.
The bout lasted roughly 24 minutes and was broadly praised for its storytelling and depth, with Gunther’s victory seen as a significant step ahead for his standing as a dominant heel.