'The Man Who Never Gives Up' Final Tap Out: John Cena, Tears Mark the End of 24-Year WWE Career!

Pro wrestling legend John Cena has officially concluded his 24-year WWE career.

The icon of WWE, John Cena, who shouted "Never Give Up", lost to Gunther, the winner of the 'The Last Time Is Now' tournament and a former two-time WWE Heavyweight Champion, in his retirement match held on December 14 (local time) at 'Saturday Night’s Main Event'. Cena could not escape Gunther's relentless Sleeper Hold and ultimately chose to Tap Out, marking the end of his career. Locally, it is shockingly accepted that John Cena's career ended with an unexpected submission loss, alongside the fact that he set a record of being a 17-time World Champion.

In a match that lasted about 25 minutes, Gunther took control with European-style Uppercuts and powerful Chops, while Cena fought back with his signature moves like Shoulder Tackles and the Five Knuckle Shuffle, showing his fighting spirit until the end. Every time Cena stood up, the crowd erupted with cheers of "Let’s go Cena!", and after the match, some fans expressed their dissatisfaction, but soon the arena was filled with the chant of "Thank you Cena".

🏟️ The Final Destination of a Year-Long Journey and Historic Record

This retirement match was the culmination of a year-long retirement Tour that began with Cena declaring at 'Money in the Bank' in 2024 that he would leave the ring by the end of 2025.

Cena opened the tour by being eliminated by Jey Uso at the 2025 'Royal Rumble'.

Later, at 'Elimination Chamber', he shocked everyone by ambushing Cody Rhodes, executing a surprising Heel Turn after over 20 years.

Through this heel character, he defeated Rhodes at 'WrestleMania 41' to capture his 17th world title, setting a record for the most world titles held, surpassing Ric Flair.

Just before 'SummerSlam', he quickly returned as a Babyface and lost the title to Rhodes, while facing off against Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, and others in a series of iconic matches.

Just before retirement, he rose to become the 'Intercontinental Champion' in a program with Dominik Mysterio, only to lose it again, leaving a record of achieving the first Grand Slam of his career.

🏆 Respect from the WWE Locker Room

After the match, all the superstars in the WWE locker room came out to the ring to give John Cena a standing ovation in respect. WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes honored him by handing over their championship belts, while Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer (CCO), released a video package reflecting on Cena's career.

Cena chose to quietly exit the ring without any mic work, leaving his signature wristbands and sneakers in the center of the ring. Finally, he saluted the audience from the ramp and will now focus on his future activities as an actor and broadcaster. John Cena will forever be remembered as one of the most influential superstars in the history of pro wrestling.