John Cena officially retired from professional wrestling following his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The 48-year-old Cena, recognized as the most decorated wrestler in WWE history, was celebrated by notable figures such as NFL star Tom Brady and musician Jelly Roll, who acknowledged his significant contributions to the sport and beyond.
Cena’s retirement match featured a showdown against fellow WWE star Gunther. Throughout his illustrious career, Cena captured a record-breaking 17 WWE World Championships, solidifying his legacy in the industry. During the lead-up to the event, Brady conveyed his admiration with a heartfelt message, 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.” This message resonated with many fans, emphasizing the camaraderie between sports icons.
In a similar sentiment, Jelly Roll reflected on Cena’s remarkable achievements, particularly his milestone of 17 championships. He expressed gratitude, saying, “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.”
As Cena prepared for his retirement match, he shared his thoughts on his decision during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He emphasized a commitment to not returning to the ring, expressing, “It’s weird, there’s a lot of skepticism out there because this has never been done before.” He wanted to provide fans with ample notice to process his departure. “I wanted to give people a heads up so people could process whatever closure they wanted for the 13th,” he added.
In an interview with Tom Rinaldi for WWE’s YouTube channel, Cena discussed his future plans with the organization that launched his career in 2002. “I will be an ambassador to WWE. I’m already signed on for another five years,” he said, indicating his desire to remain involved in the WWE family. Cena expressed enthusiasm for mentoring emerging talent, stating, “I have a bunch of strengths and gifts that I can pass on. I’m looking forward to the second mountain of being an ambassador.”
Despite stepping away from the ring, Cena is eager to share his experiences and insights with the next generation of wrestlers. He articulated a vision of mentorship, stating, “Maybe ambassadorship comes with letting more people know to watch this, which was my goal in the first place.”
The occasion of Cena’s retirement was not only a significant moment for the wrestler himself but also a celebration of the connections he forged with fans and fellow athletes over two decades. As he embarks on this new chapter, Cena leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence the world of professional wrestling for years to come.