Washington, December 17, 2025 (Agencies) – WWE legend John Cena has officially retired from in-ring competition after a career spanning more than two decades, closing the chapter on one of the most celebrated runs in sports entertainment history.
Cena’s final match took place at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, DC, where the 17-time world champion tapped out to a sleeper hold after a grueling 24-minute battle with rising Austrian star Gunther. The result stunned fans but elevated Gunther’s status as a dominant force, reflecting the long-standing tradition of departing stars “paying it forward” to the next generation.
Cena first announced his retirement plans in July 2024 during the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, declaring that 2025 would be his last year as an active performer. He embarked on a year-long farewell tour, culminating in his final bout this month.
In Saudi Arabia, Cena was one of a select few WWE icons — alongside Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Stone Cold Steve Austin — who enjoyed immense admiration and were seen as ambassadors of American sports and entertainment. His popularity grew after the Kingdom’s 2018 partnership with WWE, which brought major events such as Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, and King & Queen of the Ring to Saudi Arabia.
Cena competed in three landmark matches in the Kingdom: defeating Triple H at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, losing to Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel in 2023, and defeating CM Punk to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions in Riyadh in 2025.
Over his 26-year career, Cena became the face of WWE, headlining WrestleMania six times and amassing 17 world title reigns, surpassing Ric Flair’s long-standing record. He is a two-time Royal Rumble winner, a Money in the Bank winner, and recognized as both a Triple Crown and Grand Slam champion.
Beyond the ring, Cena built a significant career in film and philanthropy. He holds the record for the most wishes granted by any celebrity for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with more than 650 fulfilled. His acting credits include roles in Trainwreck, Blockers, Bumblebee, F9, and The Suicide Squad, where he starred as Peacemaker — later spun off into an HBO Max series.
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE and for millions of fans worldwide, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where his legacy as a global superstar and cultural icon remains unmatched.