John Cena, widely regarded as the most decorated wrestler in WWE history, officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling after his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. The event, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., was marked by heartfelt tributes from prominent figures including NFL legend Tom Brady and musician Jelly Roll, both of whom celebrated Cena’s remarkable career and lasting impact.
Facing off against fellow WWE star Gunther in a highly anticipated match, Cena concluded a legacy that has spanned over two decades. Throughout his career, the 48-year-old wrestler has garnered numerous accolades, including a record-breaking 17 WWE World Championships. This achievement places him at the pinnacle of professional wrestling, a feat acknowledged by Brady in a touching video message played before the match.
“Congratulations on an incredible career. You’ve impacted the lives of so many people inside the ring and outside the ring,” Brady expressed. He added a light-hearted remark, wishing Cena better luck in his final match than he experienced in his own career.
Jelly Roll also offered a tribute, referencing Cena’s record-setting championship reign. “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,” he said.
In the lead-up to the event, Cena candidly discussed his decision to retire during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He expressed a desire to provide fans ample time to process his departure from the ring. “It’s weird, there’s a lot of skepticism out there because this has never been done before,” Cena noted. He emphasized the connection he felt with his audience, who welcomed him into their homes week after week.
Looking forward, Cena plans to remain actively involved with WWE in a new capacity. In an interview with Tom Rinaldi for WWE’s YouTube channel, he confirmed his role as an ambassador for the organization, having signed on for an additional five years. “I will be an ambassador to WWE,” he stated. “I’m looking forward to the second mountain of being an ambassador.” Cena envisions this new role as an opportunity to mentor emerging talent, sharing wisdom and experience gained throughout his storied career.
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, but his influence is expected to endure through his continued involvement with WWE. As fans and fellow wrestlers reflect on his contributions, Cena’s legacy as an entertainer and role model will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
