NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
John Cena failed to overcome one final challenge as his WWE in-ring career ended at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington DC
Cena went up against Gunther, a two-time World Heavyweight Champion who earned the right to take on Cena by winning the Last Time Is Now tournament. Gunther was unfazed by Cena’s presence in front of the electric sellout crowd that filled the Capital One Arena.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Gunther in action against John Cena during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2025 in Washington DC (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)
As soon as Cena stepped between the ropes, Gunther went to work. He fought Cena through several Attitude Adjustments, including one through the announce table. Cena did everything he could, but Gunther was just too much to handle.
Gunther eventually put Cena in a sleeper and had the 17-time WWE Champion tap out. The fans in the arena were stunned as boos rained down on Gunther.
After the match, WWE Superstars and Head of Content Paul “Triple H” Levesque came down to the ring to congratulate Cena on an incredible career. Cena took a bow in the ring and saluted the fans for everything they have done for him over the past 25 years.
John Cena and Triple H look on during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2025 in Washington DC (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
SOL RUCA SPEAKS AGAINST WWE PIONEER AT JOHN CENA’S FINAL EVENT
His retirement journey this year started at the Royal Rumble, where he finished as runner-up in the match.
He won the Elimination Chamber match to go up against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He surprised fans with a heel turn that could only be compared to Hulk Hogan. The heel persona only lasted a few months as he was back to the babyface fans grew to love and adore over the summer.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk present John Cena with the Undisputed WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2025 in Washington DC (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
He and Rhodes once again battled for the title at SummerSlam. He also had matches with Punk, Styles, Logan Paul, Brock Lesnar and Dominik Mysterio during the year.
