John Cena Bids Farewell to the Squared Circle in Emotional WWE Send-Off
The wrestling world bid a heartfelt adieu to one of its most iconic figures, John Cena, as he officially stepped away from active competition in WWE. His final match, held at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, saw him tap out to Gunther in a grueling sleeper hold, marking the end of an illustrious career. Though he fought valiantly, escaping the submission hold on multiple occasions, Cena ultimately succumbed, signifying his retirement from in-ring action.
Following his final bout, a somber yet triumphant Cena remained in the ring, basking in the adoration of the WWE Universe. As fans chanted his name, members of the WWE locker room emerged, joining the applause. In a poignant moment, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes presented Cena with their respective championship belts, allowing him to hoist them high in a symbolic gesture of his legacy. Cena then took a final bow, walked up the entrance ramp, and offered one last salute to the audience before disappearing backstage, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Cody Rhodes Reflects on Cena’s Legacy with Deep Emotion
The emotional weight of John Cena’s departure was palpable, particularly for those who shared the ring with him. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, interviewed immediately after the show, was visibly moved by the events that had transpired. Fighting back tears, Rhodes spoke to Jackie Redmond, articulating the sentiment that when a moment is as special as Cena’s career, “you just don’t want it to end.”
Rhodes elaborated on Cena’s profound impact, stating, “When it’s that good, you don’t want it to end. I know that’s vague, but he (Cena) did everything by the book and taught so many people and set such a high standard, such a high bar. I’m not trying to get emotional on his night, but just take a moment and think about those sneakers and the man who filled those and what he was able to do.”
Rhodes expressed a complex mix of joy and sadness. “I’m so happy it happened. This is a great arena with great wrestling history. I’m so sad it happened, too.” This sentiment underscored the bittersweet nature of witnessing the conclusion of such a monumental career.
A Storied Rivalry Culminates in Cena’s Final Year
Cena’s retirement tour was a year-long celebration of his contributions, punctuated by significant moments, including a heated rivalry with Cody Rhodes throughout 2025. Their clashes were the main events of two of WWE’s biggest spectacles: WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas and SummerSlam. The stakes were incredibly high, with Cena capturing his 17th world championship at WrestleMania. However, Rhodes avenged that loss, defeating Cena at SummerSlam to reclaim the championship.
Throughout the remainder of the year, Cena engaged in a series of farewell matches, besting formidable opponents such as Logan Paul, Dominik Mysterio, and AJ Styles, each encounter a testament to his enduring skill and popularity.
A Glimpse at the Undercard of Cena’s Final Night
While Cena’s farewell match was the undeniable centerpiece of Saturday Night’s Main Event, the show also featured other notable bouts. In the opening match, current NXT Champion Oba Femi went head-to-head with Cody Rhodes in a champion vs. champion encounter. However, the highly anticipated clash was unfortunately cut short and ruled a no-contest due to interference from Drew McIntyre, adding a layer of ongoing drama to the WWE landscape.
John Cena’s vow that his appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event would be his absolute last as an active professional wrestler has now been fulfilled, closing a chapter that has inspired millions and redefined the concept of a WWE Superstar. His legacy as a locker room leader, a charitable icon, and a 16-time world champion will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come.