After more than two decades as the face of WWE, John Cena’s legendary in-ring career came to a close on Saturday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. His farewell match headlined the final WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025, marking the end of an era that helped define modern professional wrestling.

In a dramatic and emotionally charged main event, Cena was forced to tap out to Gunther after a grueling, nearly 24-minute battle. The match was brutal, methodical, and deeply symbolic. From the opening lock-up to the final submission, the Washington crowd never stopped believing, roaring with every comeback and near fall as they desperately willed Cena toward one last miracle victory.

While the result shocked many fans, it ultimately felt fitting. Cena went out the same way he built his career: by elevating others and putting the future of the company first.

A Farewell That Looked Forward, Not Back

One of the most telling aspects of the night was how little it resembled a nostalgia-driven tribute show. Instead of centering the entire event around Cena, WWE used the spotlight to showcase its next generation of stars, particularly from NXT. This approach underscored Cena’s true legacy—not just as a performer, but as a cornerstone who leaves WWE stronger than he found it.

That philosophy echoed throughout the card.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes opened the show against NXT Champion Oba Femi in a champion-vs.-champion clash that teased the future of the main event scene. Though the match ended in disqualification following interference from Drew McIntyre, Femi’s performance stood out. In under 10 minutes, “The Ruler” displayed power, composure, and star presence well beyond his years. His weekend as a whole positioned him as one of WWE’s biggest emerging winners.

In the women’s division, Sol Ruca delivered the night’s biggest surprise by defeating Bayley clean. The bout felt less like an upset and more like a formal introduction. Ruca’s athleticism, creativity, and confidence were on full display, signaling that she is rapidly approaching main-roster stardom. Bayley, ever the veteran, lost nothing in defeat and remains a fixture in any major title picture moving forward.

The tag team showcase between World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee and the duo of Je’Von Evans and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater provided a burst of pure adrenaline. Despite its short runtime, the match was arguably the most explosive of the night. Styles, whose own career is nearing its end, proved he can still hang with competitors half his age, while Evans and Slater showed limitless potential even if their biggest moments are still ahead.

Cena vs. Gunther: A Perfectly Poetic Ending

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.

Gunther entered with icy focus. Cena followed to an earth-shaking ovation. For one final time, “Big Match John” sprinted to the ring, soaking in the noise, the signs, and the significance of the moment.

The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling. Cena dug deep into his arsenal—multiple Five-Knuckle Shuffles, Attitude Adjustments, and even an avalanche AA off the top rope. Several times, it felt like the impossible might happen. Each near fall drew louder reactions, as chants of “You still got it” and “Don’t give up” filled the arena.

Gunther, however, played his role flawlessly. His frustration mounted as Cena repeatedly escaped punishment, refusing to stay down. In the end, the Ring General locked in a sleeper hold one final time. Cena, smiling through the pain, tapped out—bringing his storied career to its official conclusion.

It wasn’t Cena’s greatest match from a technical standpoint, nor did it need to be. It was the right ending: respectful, emotional, and selfless.

The End of an Era

After the bell, Cena remained alone in the ring, absorbing the moment as fans chanted “Thank you, Cena.” What followed was a powerful scene: CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, legends, executives, and the entire WWE locker room gathered to honor him. Championship belts were handed over. A tribute video played. Cena left his armbands and shoes in the ring before saluting the crowd one last time.

John Cena wasn’t just WWE’s top star for 20 years. He was the constant during WWE’s transformation into a global entertainment powerhouse. He carried the company through shifting eras, changing audiences, and enormous expectations—and never cracked under the pressure.

With Cena’s departure, WWE moves into 2026 without its ultimate safety net. There is nowhere left to hide. But if this night proved anything, it’s that Cena leaves behind a roster ready to step up, inspired by the standard he set.

The last time truly is now—and the legacy is secure.