John Cena signs off from WWE with his first tap out loss: 'It's been a pleasure serving you...'

Pro wrestling legend John Cena retired on Sunday with a loss in his final WWE match against Gunther at ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’. For the first time in his storied 24-year WWE career, Cena was made to tap out on Sunday which marked his final fight in the pro wrestling arena. While leaving the arena, Cena made sure to express gratitude to the fans who had supported him all these years.

‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ which took place in Washington DC saw Cena and Gunther go head to head in the final bout of the night and the duo delivered a brilliant match.

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Legends witness Cena’s final match

Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, and Rob Van Dam, along with Michelle McCool and Trish Stratus were present in the arena to witness Cena take the WWE ring for one last time. The crowd too was all out in support of Cena who has polarised opinions all through his career.

Gunther took the upper hand in the match early on and despite moments of brilliance from Cena, it was Gunther who came out on top. Finally, Cena tapped out for the first time in his career much to the disappointment of fans.

After that legends including Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Miz, AJ Styles made their way to the ringside to pay tributes. WWE champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk also put their titles on Cena’s shoulders to show respect to the legendary Cena who has 17 world titles, the most by anyone in WWE history. Cena delighted the fans by raising the two titles for one last time.

After soaking in all the love from the fans in the arena Cena finally left the ring leaving his shoes and wrist band in it.

"It's been a pleasure serving you all these years, thank you!"

- John Cena's final words as he retires 😢#SNME pic.twitter.com/3tp4eFNPiB

— The Movement - Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) December 14, 2025

As Cena was about to go backstage, he turned for one last time to bow down and show gratitude to the fans. He unveiled his trademark salute and said: “It’s been a pleasure serving you all these years. Thank you.”

Cena, a global star, is considered among the greatest pro wrestlers of all time. He was the poster boy of WWE all through his career. Apart from 17 world titles, he won five US championships, four tag team championships and one intercontinental championship as well. He is also among the few wrestler with multiple wins at the Royal Rumble which he won in 2008 and 2013.