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John Cena failed to mount one final challenge as his WWE in-ring career came to an end during Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington DC.
Cena faced Gunther, a two-time world heavyweight champion who earned the right to face Cena by winning the Last Time Is Now tournament. Gunther was unfazed by Cena’s presence in front of the electric sold-out crowd that filled Capital One Arena.
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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 via the announce table. Cena did everything he could, but Gunther was just too much to handle.
Gunther finally put Cena in a sleeper position and forced the 17-time WWE Champion to tap out. Fans in the arena were stunned as boos rained down on Gunther.
After the match, WWE Superstars and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque came down to the ring to congratulate Cena on his incredible career. Cena bowed in the ring and saluted the fans for everything they have done for him over the past 25 years.
John Cena and Triple H attend Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2025 in Washington DC. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
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His retirement tour this year began at the Royal Rumble, where he finished second in the match.
He won the Elimination Chamber match to face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He stunned fans with a heel turn that could only draw comparisons to Hulk Hogan. The heel persona only lasted a few months as he returned to Babyface’s fans who began to love and adore this summer.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk give John Cena the undisputed WWE title and the world heavyweight title during Saturday night’s main event at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2025 in Washington DC. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
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He and Rhodes fought for the title once again at SummerSlam. He also had matches with Punk, Styles, Logan Paul, Brock Lesnar and Dominik Mysterio during the year.
