John Cena, renowned as the most decorated wrestler in WWE history, officially retired from professional wrestling following his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. The event, held at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, saw a heartfelt tribute from notable figures such as NFL legend Tom Brady and musician Jelly Roll, who celebrated Cena’s significant contributions to the sport and his fans.
During the match, Cena, 48, faced off against fellow WWE star Gunther. This moment marked the end of an illustrious career that began in 2002, culminating in numerous accolades, including a record-breaking 17 WWE World Championships. Brady, who has established his own legacy in sports, shared a video message to commemorate the occasion. “Congratulations on an incredible career. You’ve impacted the lives of so many people inside the ring and outside the ring. Good luck in your last match. I hope you fare better in yours than I did in mine,” he remarked.
Jelly Roll also expressed his admiration, referencing Cena’s milestone achievement at WrestleMania 41, where he claimed his 17th championship title. “John Cena, the legendary, never seen 17. Man, thank you for all these years. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for being the role model that we all needed. You deserve this, brother. Congratulations, happy retirement,” he said.
In the lead-up to his retirement, Cena conveyed his intent to step away from the ring during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He addressed the skepticism surrounding his retirement plans, emphasizing his desire to provide fans ample notice. “It’s weird, there’s a lot of skepticism out there because this has never been done before. I wanted to give people so much lead time… You do feel a connection with people,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Cena has committed to serving as an ambassador for WWE, having signed a five-year agreement. He expressed enthusiasm for his new role, which includes mentoring emerging talent and promoting the organization that launched his career. “It’s not my time to perform anymore. I have a bunch of strengths and gifts that I can pass on,” he remarked. Cena’s vision includes fostering connections with new wrestlers and guiding them in their development within the industry.
As fans and fellow athletes pay tribute to Cena’s legacy, the impact of his career on professional wrestling and popular culture remains undeniable. His final match not only concludes a remarkable chapter but also opens the door for new opportunities to influence the next generation of wrestlers.
