John Cena officially retired from professional wrestling during the recent Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking the end of an illustrious career that has spanned over two decades. The 48-year-old wrestling icon faced off against fellow WWE star Gunther in what was his final match, surrounded by tributes from notable personalities, including NFL legend Tom Brady and country music star Jelly Roll.
The event took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on December 13, 2025. Cena’s retirement drew significant attention, reflecting his status as the most decorated wrestler in WWE history. In a heartfelt message played before the match, Brady congratulated Cena, stating, “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.”
Jelly Roll also expressed his admiration for Cena, referencing his historic achievement of winning the WWE World Championship for a record-breaking 17th time at WrestleMania 41 on April 20, 2025. He remarked, “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.”
Leading up to his final match, Cena spoke candidly about his decision to retire during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He emphasized his commitment to stepping away from the ring permanently. “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. I do feel a connection with people. I wanted to give people a heads-up so they could process whatever closure they wanted for the 13th,” he said.
In an interview with Tom Rinaldi for WWE’s YouTube channel, Cena confirmed his plans to remain involved with the organization as an ambassador. “I will be an ambassador to WWE. I’m already signed on for another five years. I would like to be in this family as an employee, as a contributing part for as long as I can,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Cena expressed enthusiasm about his new role, believing it will allow him to share his strengths and experiences with the next generation of talent. “It’s not my time to perform anymore. I have a bunch of strengths and gifts that I can pass on,” he noted. “I’m looking forward to the second mountain of being an ambassador.”
Cena’s retirement marks a significant moment not only for him but also for the wrestling community that has followed his career closely. As he transitions to this new chapter, fans and fellow wrestlers alike will remember his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in the world of wrestling.
