John Cena’s storied professional wrestling career came to an unexpected end on Saturday night at the Capital One Arena, where he faced Gunther in his final match. Before a crowd of 19,232, the WWE legend tapped out in a sleeper hold, marking his official retirement from the ring.
The match concluded with Cena, 48, submitting for only the fifth time in his 23-year WWE career, a statistic that underscores the rarity and significance of the moment. His last submission loss was in 2004 to Kurt Angle. The unexpected finish left fans in Washington, D.C., expressing their discontent with chants of “bulls–t” and “You f–ked up,” directed at WWE booker Triple H, who appeared post-match to address the audience.
Fans React to Cena’s Final Bow
The conclusion of Cena’s match against Gunther was met with mixed emotions. While a retiring wrestler losing their final match is a common tradition, the manner of Cena’s loss—smiling and winking at the camera before tapping out—felt anticlimactic to many fans. The reaction was immediate and vocal, with the crowd expressing their disapproval.
Triple H’s appearance did little to quell the crowd’s dissatisfaction. As he hugged Cena and addressed the audience, fans began chanting for rival company AEW, highlighting their frustration with WWE’s current direction. Cena, however, managed to draw cheers as he took his final bows, leaving his sneakers and wristbands in the ring as a symbolic farewell.
Gunther’s Victory and Future Prospects
Gunther, a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, emerged victorious in what was billed as a career-defining match. Earlier this year, he also defeated Bill Goldberg in Goldberg’s retirement match, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor. Gunther’s victory over Cena is expected to propel him into a more prominent role within WWE.
“It’s natural. I think I could,” Gunther said in a pre-match interview. “In ring I know I’m there, if not better. I think the rest will naturally follow.”
Despite never having held the Undisputed WWE Championship, Gunther’s recent performances suggest he is poised for a significant push, potentially becoming one of the company’s leading figures.
Cena’s Legacy and the Road to Retirement
John Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE. Over his 23-year career, Cena became synonymous with the brand, leading it through periods of both financial success and creative criticism. His year-long retirement tour included 36 appearances and 15 matches, culminating in a mixed reception from fans and critics alike.
During this tour, Cena turned heel for the first time in two decades, a move that generated substantial buzz but ultimately fell flat due to inconsistent storytelling. Despite these challenges, Cena’s career achievements remain unparalleled. He captured his record 17th world title at WrestleMania, a testament to his enduring appeal and skill.
“Tonight, professional wrestling destroyed sports entertainment,” said commentator Michael Cole during Cena’s final match, capturing the significance of the moment.
The Impact of Cena’s Career
Cena’s influence on WWE and professional wrestling is undeniable. As the face of WWE for over 20 years, he played a crucial role in the company’s financial stability, even as some fans grew disillusioned with the PG-rated programming and lack of new star development during his tenure.
His late 2000s and early 2010s run as the face champion coincided with a gradual decline in ratings, yet Cena’s presence remained a constant draw for audiences worldwide. As he steps away from the ring, his legacy will be remembered for both his in-ring prowess and his contributions to WWE’s global brand.
As Cena took his final bow, he left fans with a heartfelt message: “It’s been a pleasure serving you all these years, thank you.” With his departure, WWE faces the challenge of filling the void left by one of its most iconic figures, while Gunther and others look to rise in the ranks and define the next era of wrestling entertainment.
